Lutheran used to be the dominant team of Class 3A girls volleyball in Colorado. With the move to 4A in this cycle, the Manitou Springs volleyball team saw immense value in getting the Lions on the schedule.
The big lesson the Mustangs learned was that it’s a good thing Lutheran has moved up a class. The Lions were dominant in a 25-13, 25-12, 25-14 win over Manitou on Sept. 1. The Mustangs (1-4 overall) couldn’t get into a rhythm that would generate any consistent offense.
Ayla Flett led the Mustangs with six kills, while Grace Allen added four.
The Mustangs returned home on Tuesday, Sept. 6, against a 5A opponent in Doherty. The Mustangs (2-3 overall) got their second win of the year, beating the Spartans 21-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-16.
Considering the lack of offense against the Lions, it was great to see several aspects of the Mustangs’ game come together to get a win.
“It felt good, and we’ve been stressing it a lot,” coach Crissy Leonhardt said. “We went really hard in practice this week and it’s such a coachable team. If they believe they can do anything, they really can.”
Heading into the Jefferson Academy tournament on Sept. 9 and 10, beating a 5A team gives the Mustangs some momentum. Doherty came into Manitou with a distinct height advantage so, for the Mustangs to be the ones celebrating after the game, a lot of confidence will accompany them on the trip north.
“We were just saying that in the locker room,” senior Norah Jorstad said. “We just beat a 5A school. It’s a huge confidence booster.”
After the Jefferson Academy tournament, the Mustangs head to St. Mary’s on Tuesday, Sept. 13, and return home to face Banning Lewis on Thursday, Sept 15.