This month we visit the Wheat Ridge Girls Volleyball team; however, I am compelled to first take note of the terrible shooting at Evergreen High School on Wednesday, September 10th. As a member of the Jeffco community I share in the shock and dismay we are all feeling. As an adult and parent, I apologize to any student that is dealing with the daily pressure of attending school in the United States We as your parents and protectors must do better. I hope you all find peace in each other and seek support wherever you can find it.
And now back to volleyball.
Before we dive into the varsity teams match let’s cover some nomenclature. There is a lot to this sport. A volleyball game is called a match and consists of three or five sets. Each set is won by the team that scores 25 points first, also, if it is close at the end, the winner must do so by two points. There is a lot more to it, but for this accounting that should bring everyone up to speed.
It is Wednesday evening at Tommy Dowd Court; the music is thumping as our varsity team sprints onto the court and begin warm-up drills. Both sides show power and precision with drills and coaches mostly watch and nod. The Farmers are coming off winning the Lincoln Volleyball Tournament and look to be competitive. This will be a tough match against a skilled opponent, the Skyview Wolverines.
The first set is a tough start for the farmers as the Wolverines have some aggressive hitters and hit from over the net with regularity. The second and third sets raise the temperature and ferocity of play, with the Farmers keeping pace and showing flashes of real strategic offense. Leila Wilson #9 holds the line on the net, along with powerful spikes, amazing blocks and an ace serve by Gretchen Linder #8, and incredibly athletic digs by Stephanie Aukema #7. Younger players contribute as well as Lola Jones #1 shows off a sneaky soft touch and excellent placement for multiple points along with some solid and timely spikes by Erin Hartin #4.
During the match the Wheat Ridge crowd gets louder, there are some impressive plays, and the last volley is a long and hard-fought one. In the end Wheat Ridge loses a valiant effort, but they will recover, regroup and live to play again. Volleyball is an exciting sport of skill, strategy and momentum, and one you should go check out. Go Farmers!
Girls Volleyball Schedule:
Friday October 3rd, 4:30pm – vs. Standley Lake HS, @ Standley Lake HS.
Tuesday October 7th, 4:30pm – vs. D ‘Evelyn HS, @ Wheat Ridge HS.
Thursday October 9th, 4:30pm – vs. Green Mountain HS, @ Green Mountain HS
Tuesday October 14th, 4:30pm – vs. Pomona HS, @ Wheat Ridge HS
Thursday October 16th, 4:30pm – vs. Conifer HS, @ Wheat Ridge HS
Tuesday October 21st, 4:30pm – vs. Evergreen HS, @ Evergreen HS
Friday October 24th, 4:30pm – vs. Littleton HS, @ Wheat Ridge HS
Monday October 27th, 4:30pm – 4A Jeffco League Tournament, TBD.
