On Tuesday, September 20, the Gilpin Girls’ Volleyball Team traveled to Highlands Ranch for a match against Skyview. Varsity Coach Topher Rouse called it one of the most exciting environments they’d played at in recent years. Rouse noted that, “The Skyview fans were extremely energetic which made for a loud gym. Our C Team and JV players were up to the challenge and during the entire varsity match, it was difficult communicating with my players even during timeouts. We were led by Camryn Ganz who led the team with seven kills and hit percentage of .428 (kills minus hitting errors divided by total attacks). Jordanna Gagnon (14 serves, 1 error, 1 ace, 93%) and Ganz (13 serves, 2 aces, 0 errors, 100%) led the Eagles in serving. We were pleased to walk away with a three set win.”

Rouse added, “Two nights later, Union Colony Prep was a tough varsity home match. It was our Homecoming match so our crowd was energized and extremely loud. Gilpin was led by Skyley Ramsey who had sixteen kills. We won the first two sets. The third set was a challenge. Twice, we had them at match point, but they fought back. We lost 25-27, but the girls did not get down or lose focus. The fourth set was back and forth. I felt the turning point was when Jiselle Osteboe got a stuff block on a back row attack from one of Union Colony’s better hitters. Jordanna Gagnon again led in serving (24 serves, 2 aces, 1 error, for 96%). Abby Smith led in defense with 40 digs over the four sets.”

Final tally: Gilpin 3, Union colony 1. With two of the Eagles’ regulars missing in action, it was a good win against a quality opponent.

Keep an eye on this talented group. The Gilpin Volleyball Team’s overall record is now 11-4 and 4-0 in league play. They play at home again October 6 against Dayspring Christian, October 11 against Front Range Christian, and October 20 against Highland. The girls wrap up their season at an away match in Lyons, October 25.

An activity-packed three days Top, left; Kayla Marr sets the volleyball. Top right; The Varsity Volleyball Team: Front row, left to right, Sierra Ramsey, Abby Smith, Kayla Marr. Middle row, Tommie DiMauro, Camryn Gatz, Kailee Starkey, Sterling O’Sullivan, Faith Ramsey, Joei Sutton, Jordanna Gagnon. Back row, Skyley Ramsey, Annabelle Aloel, Jiselle Osteboe, Bailey Bagwell, Sarah Lovett. Bottom, right; Danni Sterlicht at the net. Bottom, left; Gilpin juniors caught in a time warp. Middle, left; Freshman Elise Vincent. PHOTOS BY DAVE GIBSON[/caption]