The Echo of the Roar: How Resurrection Christian Chased Gold and Found Glory

Ah, the state tournament. There’s really nothing quite like it, is there? That particular cocktail of adrenaline, raw talent, and the crushing weight of expectation, all unfolding under the bright lights of the Denver Coliseum. And for the Resurrection Christian Cougars volleyball squad, 2024 was undeniably a season etched in both triumph and, well, a touch of heartache.

You see, this wasn't just another year. Not for these athletes, led by a truly remarkable coach in Caleb Phillips. They arrived at the Class 3A State Tournament with a dazzling 26-4 record, a formidable presence, and, dare I say, a legitimate shot at the gold. Their eyes were firmly fixed on that ultimate prize, having steamrolled through their regionals with a certain swagger, a confidence earned through sheer hard work and undeniable skill.

Their initial foray into the state bracket was, in truth, a statement. A dominant three-set sweep of Coal Ridge – 25-14, 25-15, 25-13 – was less a game and more a declaration. Ellie Mayes, a force of nature, racked up 15 kills, showcasing the kind of power that just makes you lean forward in your seat. Reagan McWhinney, a setter with an almost telepathic connection to her hitters, dished out 30 assists. And Olivia deSafey? Well, she was a defensive anchor, coolly digging 10 balls as if it were just another practice. It was, you could say, a performance that screamed, 'We're here. And we mean business.'

Then came the quarterfinal clash against Platte Valley. And honestly, it was a battle. Not an easy walk in the park, but a gritty, hard-fought affair. Resurrection Christian managed to prevail, though, pushing past Platte Valley in four sets (25-19, 25-23, 22-25, 25-19). This win, perhaps more than the sweep, solidified their resolve. It showed they could bend without breaking, that they had the mental fortitude when the going got tough. And just like that, they were in the semifinals – a place no RCS volleyball team had ever reached before.

But then, there's always a 'but,' isn't there? Waiting for them in the semis was the venerable Eaton Reds, a veritable dynasty in Colorado volleyball. It’s a rivalry, for sure, steeped in tradition and fiercely contested matches. Coach Phillips, ever the realist, knew what they were up against. “They're a great team, no doubt,” he'd probably say, acknowledging the talent across the net while still brimming with confidence in his own squad. And this semifinal match, it lived up to the hype, becoming a truly epic showdown.

Eaton, coached by the equally formidable Gwen Forster, ultimately proved too much, winning in four sets: 25-23, 25-18, 20-25, 25-22. The scores alone tell a story of incredible back-and-forth action, of moments where the momentum could have swung either way. Imagine the tension, the roar of the crowd, every single point feeling like it carried the weight of the world. While the dream of a state championship ended there, the Cougars had undeniably left their mark.

Finishing 3rd or 4th in the state, with a final record of 26-5, is nothing short of historic for Resurrection Christian. It was their deepest run ever into the state tournament, a testament to a season of unwavering dedication, exceptional teamwork, and, yes, some truly breathtaking volleyball. So, while the gold medal eluded them for now, what they achieved – that indelible legacy, that taste of the final four – well, that's a kind of victory all its own. And sometimes, you know, that’s what really matters.