Colorado Springs, CO – The 2026 high‑school volleyball season opened with a decisive showdown between two of the state’s top programs. Chaparral’s Red‑Tailed Hawks defeated Cheyenne Mountain’s Wolverines 3‑0, securing a clean sweep in the series opener.
Game recap
The match began with Chaparral taking an early lead, capitalizing on strong serving and aggressive net play. The Hawks’ front‑court players dominated the net, forcing errors and converting points on quick attacks. Cheyenne Mountain struggled to find rhythm, despite the presence of Landry Roberts, who is widely regarded as the state’s top player.
Roberts contributed a solid performance, recording several kills and defensive digs, but the overall team effort fell short against Chaparral’s balanced attack. The Hawks closed out the first set 25‑18, then extended their advantage in the second set, winning 25‑20. The third set saw Chaparral maintain momentum, finishing 25‑16 to complete the 3‑0 victory.
Key players
Chaparral’s setter, Jake Martinez, orchestrated the offense with precise ball distribution, enabling hitters like senior outside hitter Tyler Greene to exploit gaps in the Wolverines’ defense. Greene finished the match with 15 kills and a hitting percentage of .350, earning him player‑of‑the‑match honors.
For Cheyenne Mountain, Landry Roberts posted 12 kills and 8 digs, showcasing her all‑around skill set. However, the Wolverines’ supporting cast could not match Chaparral’s depth, leading to the decisive loss.
Implications for the season
Chaparral entered the season as one of the top teams in Colorado after a strong showing last year, and this opening win reinforces their status as a contender for the state championship. Coach Mark Sullivan praised his team’s preparation, noting that the early victory sets a positive tone for the weeks ahead.
Cheyenne Mountain, while disappointed, remains optimistic. Coach Lisa Hernandez highlighted Roberts’ leadership and the need for the team to regroup and focus on upcoming matches. The Wolverines still possess the talent to compete for a playoff spot, provided they can tighten their fundamentals and improve consistency.
Looking ahead
Both programs have several games scheduled over the next month, with regional matchups that could impact playoff seeding. Fans in Colorado Springs can expect a competitive season as the top schools vie for conference titles and state honors.
Local supporters are encouraged to attend upcoming games to cheer on their teams and experience the excitement of high‑school athletics in the community.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
