1A girls volleyball: Flatirons Academy relishes first tournament win in program history

COLROADO SPRINGS – It had been a long time coming for the Flatirons Academy Bison girls volleyball team.

Just four years ago, the program went winless in 22 matches. Now, with a 3-1 victory over No. 7 Idalia in the first round of the 2021 1A championships, the program picked up its first state tournament win ever.

“It’s been a crazy turnaround,” Head Coach Tarabeth Cole exclaimed. “It’s been so amazing to see how hard the girls have worked and the outcome of it.”

The victory comes amidst the best season in program history, as the team went 21-3 during the regular season. This particular victory was just a little bit sweeter, based on the fact that Flatirons lost to Idalia in the regionals just last week, which was the first loss for the team since Sept. 19.

“It was cool to have a redeeming moment because we were right there (at regionals) the whole time, but we couldn’t quite finish it. This time, it was good to be in this environment and actually push through it all the way.”

In their second round match, they ran into the buzzsaw that was No. 2 seeded Fleming, losing in straight sets. They will be back in action tomorrow for the play back portion of the bracket against No. 8 Cheraw.

Elsewhere in the bracket, No. 1 Briggsdale and No. 4 Merino both took care of business, sweeping their opponents in the second round. That will be a rematch of the 3 vs. 6 first round match in last season’s tournament, won by Merino in straight sets.

In the other match in the bottom half of the bracket, No. 3 Haxtun had a barn burner against No. 6 Stratton. The Eagles won the first two sets, including the second set by a 25-9 tally, to take a commanding lead. But the Bulldogs stormed back, winning the next three 25-20, 25-20, and 15-13 to steal back the win and a spot in the championship quarterfinals.

The other first round matches were won by Dove Creek over Cheraw, Wiley over Genoa-Hugo/Karval, and Stratton over Belleview Christian.

Day two of the 2021 girls volleyball championships will resume tomorrow at 8 a.m. with action in the play-back part of the bracket.