AURORA | In the only regional boys volleyball match that went more than three sets, Regis Jesuit outlasted Thornton Friday night to make it to the state tournament.
The 10th-seeded Raiders trailed host and seventh-seeded Thornton 2-1, but came through in the clutch to even it up and prevailed in a tight deciding fifth set.
With its 23-25, 25-17, 23-25, 25-22, 16-14 victory, coach Kristi Gauss’ Regis Jesuit team qualified for the May 5-7 state tournament at Overland High School. The Raiders — playing a rare match with their full lineup — moved on to an opening round state matchup against No. 1 Cherry Creek. (complete regional scoreboard, here).
Senior Tristan Christofferson racked up 23 kills and contributed 12 digs in the victory, while junior Logan Henry added 22 kills and four blocks for Regis Jesuit.
Photo gallery from Regis Jesuit’s win over Thornton, here.
The only road team to win in the eight regional matches, Regis Jesuit is one of three Aurora area teams to advance to the eight-team state tournament as third-seeded Eaglecrest and No. 5 Cherokee Trail also won their matches. The Raptors topped No. 14 Poudre School District at home, while the Cougars defeated No. 12 Cheyenne Mountain.
Courtney Oakes is Sentinel Colorado Sports Editor. Reach him at sports@sentinelcolorado.com. Twitter: @aurorasports. IG: Sentinel Prep Sports
2022 BOYS VOLLEYBALL REGIONAL
April 29 at Thornton H.S.
No. 10 Regis Jesuit def. No. 7 Thornton 23-25, 25-17, 23-25, 25-22, 16-14