Former Lewis-Palmer girls volleyball players, current staff and athletes on the Rangers’ present roster all gathered inside their gym to congratulate Don Lash on his 600th career victory Saturday.

The Rangers’ sweep against Thomas Jefferson in their 4A Region 2 match allowed Lash to reach the milestone and everyone celebrated his accomplishment.

But Lash was eager for victory 601, the win that would send the Rangers to the 4A state tournament in Denver.

The No. 2-seeded Rangers got that victory in a sweep against No. 23 Fort Lupton to secure a spot at the Denver Coliseum.

“It’s great that this happened here at Lewis-Palmer because it’s been such a big part of my career,” Lash said. “The girls took care of business because they’re that kind of people and they have that kind of leadership. I knew they’d come out (after win 600) and would be ready to play.”

Lash began coaching in the 1980s and has spent multiple decades at Lewis-Palmer in various coaching capacities.

After former coach Alexa Strube stepped down this season for “family reasons,” Lash resumed head coaching duties with the program after serving as an assistant.

The Rangers, who began the season 0-3, went 19-3 in their final 22 matches and, at the regional tournament, dominated their opposition en route to the title.

In matches against Thomas Jefferson and Fort Lupton, the Rangers didn’t allow more than nine points in a set and held Fort Lupton to just two in the clincher.

“It feels amazing to be a part of this,” Madi Crowe said. “He’s such a legend in the volleyball world and being able to play under him is an amazing experience. We’re all proud of the coach he is.”

Lash said he hoped to keep his achievement a secret but is grateful to move forward toward a state title push.

“It’s good to have it over and out of the way,” Lash said. “Now to move on to the good stuff.”

Village wins regional title, loses key player during opening match

The Mountaineers swept both Pagosa Springs and Banning Lewis during the 3A region 3 tournament to earn the school’s first regional crown, but it came at a cost.

Late in the second set against No. 34 Pagosa Springs in the opening match, Lillian Edwards sprained her left ankle after earning a kill for the Mountaineers.

Edwards left the court without assistance, but did not play the remainder of the day and had ice wrapped around her ankle.

Coach Shannon Baker said they didn’t know the extent of Edwards’ injury, but did say it was “a good sign” to see Edwards, albeit gingerly, walking around between sets.

“She’s a tough kid and I think if she can play she’s going to play,” Baker said. “We’re hoping to get it evaluated quickly. … She’s going to do everything she can to get back on the court. I know she wants this more than anything in the whole world. I think she’s going to figure it out and she’s going to be ok.”

Erika Sayer buoyed the Mountaineers following Edwards’ departure and helped dig Village out of a 20-16 hole against Pagosa Springs in the final set.

Sayer, who is No. 3 in the state with a .521 hitting percentage, earned several key kills to ice the match against the Pirates.

“For the past couple of weeks we talked about how everybody needs to go in there and do their job,” Baker said. “Erika is obviously a big producer for us. We like to get her the ball and she gets a lot of kills for us. Other kids stepping up and doing little things here and there is what’s going to get us to the next level.”

Pine Creek, Colorado Springs Christian punch tickets to state

The No. 6 seeded Eagles cruised through the 5A region 6 bracket and allowed 20 points in just one of their six sets played.

Pine Creek finished the year 7-1 at home and the lone defeat at their gym came in a five-set loss to Chaparral on Aug. 31.

Following a 7-3 start to the season, the Eagles won their final 15 games and, since a 3-1 loss to Pueblo West on Sept. 24, Pine Creek has dropped just one set during its win streak.

In 2A, Colorado Springs Christian, the No. 5 seed, only lost one set, which came in its final game of the day against No. 20 Fowler.

The Lions head to the state tournament with a 21-4 record and on a six-game winning streak.

This is the Lions’ first year in 2A following a string of successful years in 3A. Colorado Springs Christian won six consecutive girls volleyball titles from 2004-09 and finished as runners-up in 2018.

Multiple area schools end year with regionals

Rampart, Falcon, Cañon City, Banning Lewis, Vanguard and Fountain Valley did not win their region and concluded their seasons.

Each team competed on the road for their regional contests, but could not complete the upset against their respective opponents.

Matches to be played after postponements

Following a slew of delays caused by the recent snowstorm, various teams will continue their regional matches Nov. 10 and 11.

Teams playing Nov. 10 regional matches include Cheyenne Mountain, Air Academy and St. Mary’s.

Schools that will compete Nov. 11 are Discovery Canyon, Palmer Ridge, The Classical Academy, Calhan and Evangel Christian Academy.