Mustang junior Avah Armour pops the ball over the net during Manitou’s Aug. 24 match against the Summit Tigers
The Manitou Springs girls volleyball team received a stark reminder that they continue to live in an evolving situation.
The Mustangs were all set for their third match of the year, a showdown with Dolores Huerta Prep. The morning of the match, Dolores Huerta informed Manitou that the game would have to be canceled.
Although the calendar is back to normal following the COVID-19 year that the Colorado High School Activities Association designed for 2020-21, the realities that COVID is still with us play a crucial role in the high school athletic world.
“It was frustrating because we’re still in our first couple of games,” senior Katy Vance said. “We’re still getting into our groove and have our pregame things and we get excited for these games. Then they don’t come.”
Instead of getting amped for the game, the Mustangs had to get focused for a practice. It was a tough transition, but a good exercise in making sure everyone remains focused in an ever-changing world.
Still, the Mustangs (2-0 overall) are keeping their sights set on what has to be done next to carry on their successful start to the 2021 season.
“We always have to be prepared and be ready,” coach Crissy Leonhardt said.
“It’s an extra mental strain on kids. We have to build a team cohesiveness and keep focusing on the team and that we’re all in this together.”
The Mustangs traveled to The Classical Academy on Sept. 8, but results were not available at press time. They host Lamar Sept. 17.