AURORA | The Cherokee Trail volleyball team doesn’t want its breakout season to end and it won’t for another week, as the Cougars have secured their first trip to the Class 5A state tournament.
With sweeps of No. 31 ThunderRidge and No. 19 Loveland Saturday at the Region 6 tournament on their home floor, coach Terry Miller’s Cougars will play in the Nov. 9-10 state tournament at the Denver Coliseum for the first time at the 5A level and second time overall — they went to the 4A tournament in 2007.
Cherokee Trail (19-6) got a big offensive day from freshman Shannon Webb and seniors Lauren Dunkle and Kayla Slofkiss and became the fourth Centennial League team in the 12-team state field, joining Eaglecrest, Cherry Creek and Grandview.
The Cougars cruised to a 25-16, 25-14, 25-21 win over ThunderRidge to open the day, as Dunkle posted a team-best 11 kills, while Webb added nine and Slofkiss eight. Sophomore setter Sidney Wicks racked up 28 assists and Nikki Berta posted 13 digs in the winning effort for Cherokee Trail, which then watched Loveland go out and sweep the Grizzlies in the next match to set up a showdown for the right to go to state.
The Indians pushed in the first game, but Cherokee Trail prevailed 25-21, setting the tone for a 25-21, 25-15, 25-10 victory. Wicks piled up 34 assists and used her main weapons well, as Webb notched 13 kills, Slofkiss put away 10 and Dunkle added. Berta again played well defensively with 16 digs.
Reach Sports Editor Courtney Oakes at sports@aurorasentinel.com or 303-750-7555
CLASS 5A REGION 6 VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT
Saturday at Cherokee Trail High School
NO. 6 CHEROKEE TRAIL def. No. 31 ThunderRidge 25-16, 25-14, 25-21
No. 19 Loveland def. No. 31 ThunderRidge 25-23, 25-22, 25-13
NO. 6 CHEROKEE TRAIL def. No. 19 Loveland 25-21, 25-15, 25-10
State qualifier: CHEROKEE TRAIL
