By: Aaron Braun, Reporter

     Girl’s volleyball ended their season with an impressive record of 18-7. This years team took first place in the 5A EMAC. This is the first time since 2012 that Rangeview been league champions in volleyball.

      Throughout the season the Raiders had multiple miraculous victories, many of them ending in three sets. Rangeveiw had swept 14 teams this season; including a game at Regionals against Fruita Monument. Only a handful of games had lasted more than three sets.

      Among the ladies seven losses only two of them were 3-0 sweeps. The first was a very emotional game against Cherokee Trail High School; this game was played in honor of Celeste James. The second sweep would be their final game of the year. After winning the first game of their Regional matches, Rangeview’s next opponent would be the first seed Chatfield.

      “ When it comes to Regionals anything can happen, we had heard that Denver East pulled an upset as well as Coronado,”  said senior Kelsie Hurtado going into the game against Chatfield, “ I was excited to compete.”

     The first set didn’t go so well, Chatfield only allowed the Raiders to score 17 points to their 25. Going into the second set Rangeveiw was determined to win, but Chatfield had a different idea. This set was a momentum killer for Rangeveiw, Chatfield only won by two points. With doubts rising, tensions high, and all the pressure on the Raiders, this would be a thrilling last set of the season. Rangeview was down by a big deficit. Chatfield had the game in the bag, then Rangeveiw went on a rally. Rangeveiw Came within four points before Chatfield ended the game and advanced to the state tournament.  

     Senior Quina Hughes said “ It was upsetting,” about playing her last high school volleyball game, “but to know we did so well throughout the season felt good.”

     Although the seniors played their last volleyball a Rangeview Raider, they are moving on to do bigger and better things. Jackie McBride is committed to play D1 volleyball at the University of Wyoming. Kelsie Hurtado is planning on graduating early and will be working until August of 2016. She is also committed to Trinidad State Junior College and will play volleyball for two years on a full ride scholarship. Quina Hughes has had many offers but has signed to any at this time.

     There will only be six returning varsity players next season, they are eager to see how their season will turn out and how they will fill the gaps left by this year’s stars.