The Manitou Springs girls volleyball team is finding its stride. After a four-set win over Doherty on Sept. 6, the Mustangs hit the road for their first tournament of the season, competing at Jefferson Academy on Sept. 9 and 10.
They went 3-1 on the weekend with the only loss coming to the host Jaguars. The Mustangs (5-5 overall, 0-1 Tri-Peaks) took the first set from Jefferson Academy before dropping the second and coming up just short in the third.
“They haven’t been nervous at all this season,” coach Crissy Leonhardt said. “They’ve been positive and I think that’s the biggest thing. They know what they need to do and once they see a team, they’re able to do it.”
Manitou beat Monte Vista, La Junta and Vanguard in its three other matches. Through the first three matches, Teryn Thime led the hitters with 18 total kills. Grace Allen was right behind her with 17.
It was an encouraging weekend, and the three wins now have the Mustangs over .500 for the first time all season. It’s the kind of momentum that the team was looking for as it dove into league play.
“The last two weeks we’ve improved a lot and we’re more comfortable playing with each other,” Allen said. “There are games where someone can have an off day, so it’s good to have a bunch of people who can step up on different days.”
The Mustangs started Tri-Peaks play when they traveled to rival St. Mary’s and lost 29-27, 25-21, 18-25, 25-19 on Sept. 13. They return home for a few games, hosting Banning Lewis, then Lamar.
In terms of getting off to a strong start in league play, this stretch of matches is crucial for the team.
“It’s always important,” Leonhardt said. “As long as we focus on our side and what we’re doing, everything will be fine.”