The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
“I have high hopes for the rest of the season”
By Than Acuff
Confidence and energy were high heading into the Crested Butte Titans volleyball road match against the Del Norte Tigers on Tuesday, October 7. Unfortunately, that energy started to wear off as the match continued as the Titans fell to Del Norte in three games.
It was a tall task for the Titans as Del Norte came into the match ranked 17th in the state with a record of 8-4. Still, the Tigers had lost four seniors to graduation, including a couple of big hitters, and Crested Butte felt there was an opening for an upset.
“I really thought we had a shot at it,” says coach Sheri Covey.
Del Norte did present some issues for Crested Butte though. While they may have been missing their usual big hitters, their defense was more than ready for what Crested Butte had to throw at them, and they managed to cool Crested Butte off with a 25-17 win in the opening game.
Crested Butte did come into the second game still prepared to cause a stir, but the Tigers were diligent in their efforts to hold the Titans at bay winning the second set 25-20.
“The team’s energy and morale started off high and grew within the second set,” says junior captain Mia O’Neil.
The Titans looked to take the third game with a strong start and while things were looking pretty good for the Titans, that energy also started to dwindle as Mia O’Neil’s injury started to flare up again and the rest of the team missed O’Neil’s energy on both offense and defense.
“They definitely felt that lack of her presence,” says Covey. “We just couldn’t get our defense to create our offense.”
Del Norte pulled back into the lead in the third game to win 25-16 and take the match.
“We struggled with passing and defensively as a whole,” says O’Neil.
Bright spots came in the efforts of freshmen Haley Erickson and Barbara Siqueira as well as senior Tessa Wirsing.
“Haley just plays her heart out on defense and Barbara also has that drive to the ball and you can’t train that, and it’s brought our defensive game up,” says Covey. “Tessa can play any role and can do anything out there we need.”
The Titans will use the school’s October Break to regroup with five matches left in the regular season, including a couple of tough ones and some matches well within reach giving them an opportunity for a strong finish.
“We all plan to rest,” says O’Neil. “There’s been a ton of sickness, injuries and some mental blocks so hopefully the break will benefit us.”
“I’m super happy with what this team has accomplished mentally and physically so far,” adds Covey. “I have high hopes for the rest of the season.”
