The Crested Butte News Serving the Gunnison Valley since 1999
“Although we aren’t continuing playing in the post season, this season was a win in many ways other than games won versus lost”
By Than Acuff
The Crested Butte Titans volleyball team continued their stretch of games against tough opponents when they hosted the Sanford Farmers on Wednesday, October 23. Sanford sits in second place in the league standings and is a perennial 2A powerhouse and the Titans came into the game committed to step up to the test.
“Our plan was to play our game, and put up some quick offense,” says captain Mandala Covey Bleiberg. “We knew we had to get the ball out to our hitters and serve our best game, putting the other team out of system.”
Despite Crested Butte’s initial efforts, Sanford was on point from the opening serve and handed the Titans a 25-14 opening set loss.
“That first set played out disappointingly,” admits Covey Bleiberg. “We worked hard, people were all over the court, but sadly couldn’t get a run on serves or keep the point. Mylee (Clifton) and I put up sets, but Sanford’s defense was great and kept digging even our best hitters.”
While the opening set stung, Crested Butte did not unravel and came back in the second set to improve on their effort and push back against Sanford before dropping the second set 25-21.
“The second set, the game just went our way and we gained momentum,” says Covey Bleiberg. “Volleyball is a game of momentum and communication more than anything else. Our team was hustling and celebrating every play. That joy and support allowed us to eke out more points and in moments strike fear into Sanford.”
The Farmers then returned to their ways for the third set. While the Titans had gained momentum throughout the second set, Sanford put the hammer down to win the third set 25-15 and the match. Mia O’Neil led the Titans with 11 kills, Emery Spencer tallied three blocks, Hailey Huresky racked up 10 digs and Covey Bleiberg had 13 assists on the night.
“Although, of course, we wanted to win, our team is happy with our performance and the growth we’ve experienced this season,” says Covey Bleiberg. “Looking back at film from our first game to our last home game against Sanford, the improvement is astronomical. Sanford was a good team, and we played a great game against them.”
The Titans have one final match against the Gunnison Cowboys who are 15-2 and currently ranked eighth in the state in 3A.
“We will not be playing post season, but no matter what, lessons were learned and our team has grown this year,” says Covey Bleiberg. “From my freshmen year to my senior year, I’ve witnessed this program gain momentum and I couldn’t be more proud. Although we aren’t continuing playing in the post season, this season was a win in many ways other than games won versus lost.”
