DENVER — It was a year of redemption, firsts and back-to-back titles at the 2018 Colorado high school state volleyball tournament, with Valor Christian, Lewis-Palmer, Lutheran, Yuma and Kit Carson coming away with championship trophies Saturday night at the Denver Coliseum.
Valor Christian -- who has become a dominant power house in Colorado high school athletics since opening in 2008 -- had yet to win a volleyball title entering Saturday's title match, despite coming very close last fall when they finished as runner-up. The Eagles proved 2018 was their year, as they defeated top seed Chaparral in four sets.
Lewis-Palmer continues to be the team to beat in 4A. The Rangers swept their championship match against Niwot, clinching their fifth state title in six years. Lewis-Palmer finished the season with a 28-1 record, losing only to Chaparral from 5A.
The Lutheran Lions made huge headlines in the 3A state volleyball tournament, after knocking off the reigning champ, Eaton, in the semifinals. Lutheran defeated Colorado Springs Christian in four sets, adding a 3A title to the pair of 2A championship trophies they won in years prior.
Yuma High School had something to prove in this year's 2A championship. The Indians finished as runner-up in both the 2017 and 2016 state tournaments, but this year, they'd have to get through Denver Christian to win the championship trophy. Yuma did its job, taking three straight sets to earn the 2A crown.
Finally, Kit Carson was able to defend its 1A state volleyball title, this year playing La Veta for the championship. The Redskins jumped on the Wildcats early, winning game one, but Kit Carson bounced back, winning the next three sets to secure the back-to-back title.
Watch the video for highlights and interviews from the 2018 state volleyball tournament.