Friday Night Regional Recap: Who Is Moving on to State

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The regional round is officially in the books, and the road to State is getting real! Across 3A, 4A, and 5A, teams battled through Friday night with one goal in mind: keep the season alive.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now, the State tournament field is taking shape. Here is a look at the Colorado teams moving on, along with some familiar names we have been watching all season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">3A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">University</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>University is heading to State, and [player_tooltip player_id='750208' first='Delaney' last='Lauer'] has been a major name to watch throughout the season. The 2028 standout has continued to make her presence felt from the pin, bringing an athletic offensive game to the Bulldogs. Lauer has been one of the players helping keep University in the conversation all season, and now she gets another opportunity on the biggest stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Classical Academy</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Classical Academy is moving on, and this is a group with plenty of firepower.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1010069' first='Ashlyn' last='Delaney'] has been a centerpiece of the offense all season. The 6'2" Northern Colorado commit can score from multiple spots and has shown the ability to adjust when the first option is not available. Her experience and offensive versatility will be valuable as TCA heads into State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1004111' first='Sydney' last='Corr'] gives the offense another important piece. The 2029 setter has taken on a big role in the 5-1 system, helping distribute the offense while also contributing around the court. That versatility gives TCA another layer as the competition gets tougher.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Up front, [player_tooltip player_id='811253' first='Aubrie' last='Renn'] adds size and athleticism at middle. Her presence at the net gives the Cadets another option as they move into the State tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sterling</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sterling is moving on, and [player_tooltip player_id='1039537' first='Karsyn' last='Tonche'] has been one of the biggest offensive names to watch along the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tonche brings a dynamic presence to the pin. She can create sharp angles, change her shots, and find ways to score even when the defense starts taking away her favorite looks. That ability to stay aggressive while making adjustments makes her a major piece for Sterling heading into State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Eaton</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eaton is headed to State, with a familiar Prep Dig name in the mix.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1000244' first='Finlee' last='Holman'] has continued to make her mark as a defender for the Reds. The 2029 DS/L brings movement, anticipation, and a willingness to chase down difficult balls. That kind of first-contact reliability can become especially important when every rally starts carrying more weight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Platte Valley</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Platte Valley is also punching its ticket to State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Setter Clara Ochsner has been a key organizer for the Broncos, commanding the offense and keeping the team moving in the right direction. With a strong feel for the game and plenty of experience running the offense, Ochsner gives Platte Valley an important steady hand heading into the next round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paisley Nelson adds another layer for the Broncos. The 2029 outside hitter has already taken on a prominent offensive role as an underclassman, giving Platte Valley another young player to watch on the State stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">4A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Timnath</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Timnath is moving on, and there is no shortage of experience leading the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='734451' first='Jersey' last='McCollum'] has been one of Colorado's most recognizable setters throughout the season, and now the Montana commit gets another chance to run the show at State. McCollum plays with pace and confidence, creating an offense that can keep opposing defenses moving. Her ability to contribute offensively herself only adds another dimension.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1015184' first='Lily' last='McGill'] gives Timnath a strong presence in the middle. The 2029 standout brings quick transition footwork and a high contact point, making her a threat both as an attacker and blocker. Her continued impact at the net will be worth watching as Timnath takes the next step.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">5A</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mountain Vista</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mountain Vista is heading to State after another strong season from the Golden Eagles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='759692' first='Kennedy' last='Schmidt'] has been one of the young setters to keep on the radar, and her ability to help organize a veteran-heavy team has stood out. She brings a confident presence to the offense and has continued to build her reputation as one of the state's young setters to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With veterans like [player_tooltip player_id='791666' first='Anna' last='Morella'], [player_tooltip player_id='809221' first='Sofia' last='Posada'], and [player_tooltip player_id='828184' first='Brynley' last='Warta'] also contributing, Mountain Vista has plenty of experience heading into the State tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chaparral</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chaparral is moving on, bringing several Prep Dig names with them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1020217' first='Ainsley' last='Adams'], [player_tooltip player_id='792611' first='Brooke' last='Wildhagen'], and Addison Jenkin-Draffin have all been part of the group we have been watching throughout the season. Now, those familiar names get to take that experience into the State tournament and compete for the next opportunity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Fossil Ridge</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fossil Ridge is headed to State, and this is another team with plenty of names already on our radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='807927' first='Emery' last='Johnson'] has been a major piece of the Fossil Ridge attack. Her ability to contribute across different phases of the game has made her one of Colorado's premier pin hitters, and that all-around impact will be important as the stakes rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='887384' first='Avery' last='Friedly'] gives Fossil Ridge additional firepower at the pin. She has shown the ability to stay aggressive even when the offense gets scrambled, finding ways to stay available and create scoring opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Then there is [player_tooltip player_id='1021457' first='Madeline' last='Roberts'], a young right-side/outside who has continued to gain confidence with each opportunity. Her attacking ability gives Fossil Ridge another exciting piece to watch on the State stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rocky Mountain</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rocky Mountain is moving on, and [player_tooltip player_id='805656' first='Hanna' last='Benz'] is one of the familiar names to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Benz brings a steady, well-rounded presence to the court. She has shown the ability to contribute in serve receive, defense, and attacking situations, giving Rocky Mountain a player who can stay involved throughout a rally. Her ability to make smart choices and handle difficult balls gives the Lobos another valuable piece heading into State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Arvada West</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arvada West is punching its ticket to State with several familiar names in the lineup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1057170' first='Scarlett' last='Wilhelm'] brings plenty of versatility to the pin. She can transition quickly into attack, make smart choices against the block, and stay dependable defensively. That ability to contribute in multiple phases makes her an important piece for Arvada West.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1000686' first='Laila' last='Gibbons'] also brings an aggressive presence to the pin. Her arm swing and ability to attack difficult balls give the Wildcats another offensive option, while her defensive contributions keep her involved beyond the front row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1052316' first='Gianna' last='Marcolina'] adds another versatile piece. The 2029 setter/right side can contribute as a setter, attacker, defender, and server, giving Arvada West another player capable of impacting the match in different ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Cherry Creek</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cherry Creek is moving on, and [player_tooltip player_id='532671' first='Raya' last='Thompson'] is one of the names we have already had our eyes on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2028 pin brings a combination of power, athleticism, and court presence. Thompson can create pressure with her attack while also making an impact defensively. That well-rounded game gives Cherry Creek another weapon as the team heads into State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1000204' first='Catarina' last='Harzbecker'] is another name to watch. The 2028 setter brings rhythm to the offense while also providing a strong presence at the net. Her ability to run the offense and contribute beyond setting gives Cherry Creek another important piece in the postseason push.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Legacy</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Legacy is headed to State, led by a familiar name at the top of Colorado's 2027 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='519227' first='Reagan' last='Bayley'] has consistently shown why she is such a dangerous pin. Even when a play is not perfectly set up, she remains available and ready to make something happen. That ability to stay involved through difficult situations will be especially valuable with the State tournament ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Legacy also has [player_tooltip player_id='1058526' first='Porfirio' last='Garcia'] bringing energy from the back row. Garcia's positive presence and willingness to support teammates add another piece to the team's overall makeup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rock Canyon</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rock Canyon is moving on, and the Jaguars bring a strong mix of experience, defense, and young talent into State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='800351' first='Elena' last='Paz'] has been one of the defensive names on our radar all season. She reads the court well, gets herself into position early, and stays composed when plays break down. That consistency in serve receive and defense can become a difference-maker when the postseason gets tight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='997835' first='Paige' last='Clapper'] is another young defensive standout to watch. The 2029 DS/L/S brings calm first contact and versatility to the floor, helping Rock Canyon stay steady when rallies get chaotic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='807968' first='Jordin' last='Ziebold'], a strong outside hitter adds another familiar name to the mix as Rock Canyon heads into the next round.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Road to State Is On!</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Regionals have officially separated the field, and now the State tournament is waiting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From 3A to 5A, these teams have earned another opportunity to keep their seasons alive. We have watched many of these players make their mark throughout the fall, and now they get to take everything they have built into the biggest matches of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The road is getting shorter. The competition is getting tougher. State is next!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For more Colorado volleyball coverage, player features, recruiting content, and more, follow @prepdigcolorado on Instagram!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->