Photo by Henry Jackson Jr.

Saturday morning began with excitement, the school bustling with teams and fans from schools around the state. In attendance were Mullen, Golden, Roosevelt, D’ Evelyn, and Mountain View. The teams were separated into two brackets: one included Mullen, Mountain View, and D’ Evelyn and the other Roosevelt, Golden, and your Lady Spartans. To move onto the next round the teams were required to win one of their two games and the winners from the final two games move onto Regionals, the tournament before state.

TJ began the day with Golden High School. The ladies were in high spirits compared to the tired looking Demons. As always, they started off with a bang. Everyone could see the intensity they had out on the court, determined to make this one of their best games, win or lose. Golden was scrappy with their defense, however, and relied on one player the entire game. Golden’s momentum began to pick up but TJ pushed back harder. After every point they would come together and cheer excitedly, realizing the importance of this game.

Big kills were made by the offense; Jessica Jackson, Celeste Henderson, Mallory Baker, and Olivia Breningstall were the lead attackers in the match, relentless on Golden’s defense. However, Golden relied on their big hitter to put it down every time. When Golden’s main offense was in the front row the ladies found a difficult time stopping them. The first set ended with a score of 25 to 23 Golden. The second set was the most hardly fought over. The score was ping-pong the whole way, neither team catching much of a lead. Despite the amazing defense TJ laid out on the court, amazing digs from Junior libero Angela Becker, the ladies couldn’t stop Golden’s big hitter and the game ended with an impressive score of 26 to 24 after she smashed the ball despite the ladies’ big block. Eager to redeem themselves they stepped out on the court for a possible final match. With such passion the ladies led with an incredible score of 17 to 9. However, the great lead allowed them to become too comfortable and confident. Golden came back at them and quickly caught up. TJ, unable to get themselves back in the game, lost with a score of 25 to 20; jaws dropped across the gym at such a site. Final score 3 – 0 Golden.

The second match against Roosevelt was the team’s final chance to continue in the District tournament. Having previously played Roosevelt during a game in the summer, TJ knew what they had coming. Just as with Golden, Roosevelt relied on a single bit hitter. This team was scrappy, tough, and strong. Roosevelt had to play Golden after TJ, beating them with a score of 3 – 0. The future seemed bleak for the Spartans, but without a win this would be their last game together. Before the game the seniors gathered the team and begged them to play their hearts out. Senior Tracey Sanchez was ready to put her heart into the game. “I love our team and all of the seniors wanted to leave the team having everyone know that. We told them that despite any lead or losses that may occur in this match, we had to keep our heads up and stay together. That’s the way I want to remember my last game, just loving every moment of it.” The inspiration of these words showed in the game on the court.

Before the game Becker also came to the team and promised to give it her all. “All I said before the game was to play it for the seniors. That’s all that needed to be said.” They did exactly what they promised. The ladies played their hearts out, they truly left everything out on the court. Seniors Olivia Breningstall, Tracey Sanchez, Patricia Mortel, Mallory Baker, and Kathleen Nguyen led the team with passion, helping their teammates, bringing them up, supporting them, giving their team amazing people on whom they could rely. With such fire inside each of them they stayed with Roosevelt, surprising everyone, in each set. However, the outcome was not as promising. The ladies lost in three sets with scores of 25 – 18, 25 – 19, and 25- 23. Tears filled the ladies’ eyes, but strangely they were not tears of disappointment. Mortel, devastated by the end said, “I could not have been more proud. After the game you couldn’t look at a single player and wish that they could have done something better. I believe it was everyone’s best game by far. I just couldn’t believe it was all over.”

The season may not have ended as all may have hoped, but TJ has a bright future ahead of them. With two freshman starters this year, Jessica Jackson and Sabrina Kohrt, the team for next year has already had plenty of experience. I wish them the best of luck and expect nothing short of a State title from them.

Photo by Henry Jackson Jr.

Last Saturday, October 22, was a banner day for TJ Volleyball, having their most rivaled game of the season against Denver East.

After the tension created by East Friday, the ladies couldn’t wait to get out on the court. The game started off quickly, player after player on both sides hammering down balls. The excitement in the room was high, both teams eager to win. However, East started to gain momentum, leaving TJ in the dust ending the game 25 to 14.

It was a hard blow to the ladies, who desired nothing less than to come out with the win. The second game started off fast for the ladies, beginning with a big kill from Senior Mallory Baker. TJ kept the lead in the set until the score was 18 to 16 TJ. East was right with them, putting the pressure on the ladies. However the Angels began to play a little scrappier, with hit after hit not going down off East’s defense, the Spartan offense began to shut down, losing once again with a score of 22 to 25.

With Spartan pride the ladies weren’t ready to give up now, coming out their strongest so far. They kept the lead throughout the game, shutting down East’s offense and playing amazing defense. The ladies were loud on the court, helping the team to keep the momentum. With such great determination the ladies won big with a set score of 25 to 18. The fourth set was not as promising. Despite the excitement TJ had, they just couldn’t pull through with the win. They fought incredibly hard against the Angels, taking the game beyond a score of 25.  East ended the game with a blocking error by TJ. The final score of the set was 26 to 24. The match ended with a score of 3 to 1 East.

The second match of the game was against Abraham Lincoln, the host of the tournament. After watching them take South to five games and ultimately losing, TJ stepped onto the court a little nervous, not sure what Lincoln had to come at them with. However, after losing against a huge rival, TJ was determined to finish out the day strong. Despite Lincoln’s scrappy defense and unusual offense – players running off-key plays TJ had never dealt with – the ladies prevailed in each set.The first two sets were finished quickly, the ladies sweeping with scores of 25 to 15 and 25 to 17.

Head Coach Kathleen Nickless always likes to move a few Junior Varsity girls up to Varsity for the Crossover and District games. “It’s a good experience for the players. They really get to see the pressure and intensity of a Varsity game, so now one day when they get moved up they will be prepared mentally for the challenge.” The exemplary players Nickless chose were Quinn Roder, Madison Firman, and Makaila Roybal. Usually these girls are never given any court time, but with the Varsity playing so well the team had a big lead and the freshmen were all put in. Freshman Quinn Roder was extremely nervous about the opportunity but nonetheless excited. “I felt so pumped to be playing with the best girls at TJ. I have so many friends on the team, my very own Senior Mallory Baker for example, so I got incredibly excited to be playing with them in the game. They were all so helpful and kind.” At one point in the game there were only Freshmen on the court, excluding Junior libero Angela Becker, who lead their defense. Together they played incredibly well for their first taste of a Varsity game and won the final set 25 to 22. The final score of the match was 3 to 0. The ladies ended placing 2^nd in League.

The next game for the Spartans comes Saturday, October 29 when they host Districts. Attendees to the tournament will be Golden, Roosevelt, Mullen, and D’ Evelyn. To  continue on to Regionals they must win against Golden or Roosevelt and then against Mullen or D’ Evelyn. The first match is against Golden at 9 a.m., so make sure to show your heaviest support for the ladies, because without some big wins this may in fact be your Lady Spartans’ final games.

Thursday 9/2 @ Arvada High School 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Wednesday 9/7 Conifer High School @ TJ 7:00 pm(L 0-3)

Thursday 9/8 Westminster High School @ TJ 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Saturday 9/10 @ Palmer Tournament (Fifth Place)

Tuesday 9/13 @ Golden High School 7:00 pm (L 1-3)

Monday 9/19 Alameda High School @ TJ 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Thursday 9/22 George Washington High School @ TJ 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Monday 9/26 @ Fountain Fort Carson High School 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Tuesday 9/27 Denver West High School @ TJ 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Tuesday 10/4 @ Denver North High School 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Thursday 10/6 @ Kennedy High School 7:00 pm (W 3-1)

Wednesday 10/12 Standley Lake High School @ TJ 7:00 pm (L 2-3)

Thursday 10/13 @ South High School 7:00 pm (W 3-1)

Wednesday 10/19 @ Rock Canyon High School 7:00 pm (L1-3)

Friday 10/21 @ Evergreen High School 7:00 pm (L 0-3)

Saturday 10/22 League Crossovers @ Kennedy 2:00 pm (Second Place)

Saturday 10/29 Districts @ TJ 9:00 am

Photo by Henry Jackson Jr.

The matches at the end of the season are made to prepare the ladies for League Crossovers and then Districts. Playing teams that can hit hard and be a real challenge are always helpful right before the more important games are played.

Wednesday night the ladies traveled to Rock Canyon High School to play their televised game of the season. The team was big and knew how to hit hard, presenting themselves as a challenge to TJ. The ladies started off shaky but in the end took the lead, winning the first game 25 to 20. The next three games, however, were not as promising. The ladies just didn’t display their peak performance, as shown through their offensive stats. TJ had a total of 28 kills, small in comparison to Rock Canyon’s 43 kills. Their lack of intensity simply cost them the game during pivotal moments, and now they can only look forward. The final score of the match was 3 to 1 Rock Canyon with the win.

Friday’s night match against Evergreen was a dismal one. The score was 8 to 0 before TJ scored a point, and by then heads were down. Attack after attack was blocked by Evergreen’s tall front row, leaving the Lady Spartans frustrated and confused. With all intensity and hope lost, the set ended with a score of 25 to 9. Between games the ladies attempted to get fired up and realized that this game was only in preparation for East, the final day, so all they were expected to do was go out there and swing at the ball. With this new hope they stayed right with the Cougars until the end, yet lost with a score of 23 to 25. Feeling that even their best attempts weren’t enough, the third game was a sad repeat of the first, the ladies losing 10 to 25, a final match score of 3 to 0.

Thursday 9/2 @ Arvada High School 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Wednesday 9/7 Conifer High School @ TJ 7:00 pm(L 0-3)

Thursday 9/8 Westminster High School @ TJ 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Saturday 9/10 @ Palmer Tournament (Fifth Place)

Tuesday 9/13 @ Golden High School 7:00 pm (L 1-3)

Monday 9/19 Alameda High School @ TJ 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Thursday 9/22 George Washington High School @ TJ 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Monday 9/26 @ Fountain Fort Carson High School 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Tuesday 9/27 Denver West High School @ TJ 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Tuesday 10/4 @ Denver North High School 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Thursday 10/6 @ Kennedy High School 7:00 pm (W 3-1)

Wednesday 10/12 Standley Lake High School @ TJ 7:00 pm (L 2-3)

Thursday 10/13 @ South High School 7:00 pm (W 3-1)

Wednesday 10/19 @ Rock Canyon High School 7:00 pm (L1-3)

Friday 10/21 @ Evergreen High School 7:00 pm (L 0-3)

Saturday 10/22 League Crossovers @ Kennedy 2:00 pm

Saturday 10/29 Districts @ TJ 9:00 am

Artwork by Ed Gloor

The week started off with a preparation game against the Standley Lake gators, which has always been a tough game for TJ, and this year was no different.

TJ dominated in the first game, winning 25 to 13. However, the Spartans quickly lost steam and suffered, losing the next two sets 18 to 25 and 15 to 25. Still determined to win they pushed through the fourth set coming back with a win of 25 to 21. It all came down to the fifth set, which by rule only goes to 15 points. The score was ping-pong, tied the entire set. It all came down to the final play, 16-15 with TJ trailing. It was a long rally, hitting and digging across the court, the ball put down by a block by Standley Lake. The lady Spartans lose 17 to 15 in the set, 3 to 2 in the game.

Photo by Henry Jackson, Jr

The big game was all about South, however. The Rebels hosted the 5A/4A Denver Prep Contest, both teams competing for first place in league. Before the game Head Coach Kathleen Nickless told the ladies that this game was indeed a war; a war on the court only separated by a net, a war that they had to win through blood, sweat, and tears. This instilled the ladies with passion and they ran into the gym excitedly, heads completely in the game. The South High stands were packed, with TJ hosting as many fans as the home team, invigorating the Lady Spartans even more. TJ started off strong once again, destroying the Rebels 25 to 15, allowing the scent of victory to begin to linger. The second set was just as intense, the ladies determined to win. South, however, wasn’t going to go down easy and kept right up with them.

Stepping up their game, the ladies took the game after a series of kills by Celeste Henderson, Mallory Baker, and Jessica Jackson, with the set ending in another win of 25 to 22. The ladies only needed one more game and their title was official. Despite being so close to the victory the ladies just couldn’t pull through in the fourth set. After starting incredibly slowly at the beginning with a score of 8 to 1, their minds fell to defeat and the rest of the game was all about catching up; the final score 25 to 14. The seniors refused to let another loss to occur, fixated on settling for nothing less than champions their senior year. They rallied the rest of the team, screaming that despite anything they had each other’s backs. The team’s moral was lifted and once again the ladies came up on fire.

The defense was incredibly scrappy; if the ball made it even only an inch off a player’s hand, someone was always there to take the next touch and get the ball over. The end of the game began when the score reached 21 to 16 in favor of TJ.  South’s best server stepped up and the ladies fell into a rut, allowing them to catch up 22 to 20. A timeout was called, allowing the ladies to take a breath and throw their heads back into the game.

The fans stood screaming, every person on the edge of their seat not sure of what would happen next. The score reached 24 to 22, with the lady Spartans only one point from victory. TJ served the ball, having it hit quickly back up at them. After a beautiful dig by Angela Becker, Baker tipped the ball over the net. South quickly reacted barely getting the ball back up. South attempted to tip the ball back over the net but Jackson was there for the block. The ball hit the floor, game over. Final score was 3 to 1, Thomas Jefferson with the victory at last.

From here the ladies will be playing Rock Canyon Wednesday, October 19 and Evergreen Friday, October 21 both games away. At last, TJ will be hosting the Denver East Angels in League Crossovers Saturday, October 22. Be in attendance next Saturday to witness another extraordinary game in your very own Spartan gym.

Photo by Henry Jackson Jr.

This week is the most important for the ladies. They are competing for first place in their 4A division against Denver South. This game is expected to be nothing short of huge, warning people that if they do not arrive early they may be likely to be turned away at the door.

The winner of this game hosts league crossovers, which is absolutely pivotal in order to advancing to Districts.  If the Lady Spartans do in fact win against Denver South on Thursday October 13 at South, league crossovers will be here at Thomas Jefferson October 22. Most exciting are the attendees, which include none other than Denver East. If there is a year that TJ could see triumph over the dreaded Angels it is this year, so the ladies can’t miss their opportunity to take on the challenge. Even though the game isn’t at TJ there are still no reasons not to attend. It is a quick drive down I-25 and a 5-minute light rail ride from Southmoor to the DU station. All together, come to Denver South Thursday and witness a truly intense game.

Even though this isn’t as pivotal of a night for TJ, the ladies have their last game Wednesday against the Standley Lake Gators. This is a big one every year but, just like Denver East, this is their year to win. It is Pack the House Night so make sure you are in attendance to make it a wonderful event and cheer the ladies on to victory. The momentum of this game will carry with the ladies into South, and they need to pull out every last stop to make this a successful season.

Last week was an exciting week for the volleyball ladies, too. The week started off slowly with an easy game against Denver North. Senior Olivia Breningstall laid out the experience of the game simply, when she said, “It’s always tough when we have to play teams who just aren’t together. They don’t help us because they aren’t challenging and we get nowhere when we should be practicing for our really big games. It’s really annoying, honestly.” The game was a short one, the Spartans winning in three sets, the only challenge being trying to keep their heads in the game. Fortunately, however, Thursday brought new life into the team. The ladies traveled to Kennedy and were put to the test. Kennedy’s big hitter was hard to handle but the ladies worked hard to shut her down with some big blocks. The ladies defense was there every time, digging balls like never before. The game was nothing short of amazing and exciting. The first set was more of a warm up, sadly losing to the Commanders 27- 25. They couldn’t afford anymore losses and quickly stepped up their game and pounded through three more games, triumphant in the end, 3-1.

Thursday 9/2 @ Arvada High School 7:00 pm (L 3-0)

Wednesday 9/7 Conifer High School @ TJ 7:00 pm(L 0-3)

Thursday 9/8 Westminster High School @ TJ 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Saturday 9/10 @ Palmer Tournament (Fifth Place)

Tuesday 9/13 @ Golden High School 7:00 pm (L 1-3)

Monday 9/19 Alameda High School @ TJ 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Thursday 9/22 George Washington High School @ TJ 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Monday 9/26 @ Fountain Fort Carson High School 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Tuesday 9/27 Denver West High School @ TJ 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Tuesday 10/4 @ Denver North High School 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Thursday 10/6 @ Kennedy High School 7:00 pm (W 3-1)

Wednesday 10/12 Standley Lake High School @ TJ 7:00 pm

Thursday 10/13 @ South High School 7:00 pm

Wednesday 10/19 @ Rock Canyon High School 7:00 pm

Friday 10/21 @ Evergreen High School 7:00 pm

Saturday 10/22 League Crossovers TBA

Henry Jackson Jr.

Monday September 26, 2011 the ladies made the long haul up to Fountain, a town very close to Colorado Springs to take on the Fountain Fort Carson Trojans.

The hour bus ride there built up much anticipation, which was transformed into an amazing performance in that night’s game. The match began shaky, the Trojans and Spartans exchanging points, the game tied until the very end. Junior Angela Becker knew that it was time to kick in; they couldn’t afford to lose the first game. “The first set always sets the tone for the rest of the game. You always have to start off on top, especially when the opposing team has home court advantage,” said Becker. At the end they came together strong and freshman Jessica Jackson put the ball down to win the game 25 to 21.

In the second set the ladies clearly realized that they couldn’t afford to play slowly, and had to pick up the pace of the game; whether it was hustling to get the ball or avoiding all unnecessary mistakes. Their determination and focus showed and they began to control the game. The ladies started off with an intimidating score of 7 to 0 before the opponents were allowed a point, only due to a missed serve by the Spartans. The Trojans may have gotten their hands on the ball at the point but that Spartans were sure to assert their dominance once again in the game, victorious in the second set with a score of 25 to 12. Sophomore Celeste Henderson appreciated the way the team was able to be so commanding on the court when they set themselves to it. “We’re an incredibly strong team; it’s really exciting watching the plays unfold, and winning all the vital plays that we need to because of our focus,” she said.

The third set was the quickest, with no sign of wearying from the Lady Spartans. The ladies began to view the game as a chance to tighten up their plays, running the ball all over the court, leaving the Trojans frenzied. The ladies held them at bay with a score under 10 until the very end when pressure started to loosen. The final score was another 25 to 12, the ladies conquering 3 to 0 once again.

Tonight they play Denver West here at TJ so come and support your Lady Spartan Volleyball team as they dominate the Cowboys.

Photo by Henry Jackson Jr.

The Spartan volleyball team showed George Washington High School who the big dogs are in DPS, destroying the patriots last night in three sets. This was a very important game for TJ because it’s one of their chances to play bigger schools and prove themselves as serious threats.

The ladies started off the game strongly with a score of 6-1. The lady Patriots could sniff upcoming defeat and the lady Spartans took quick advantage. TJ played hard and ran the ball, putting it down play after play. The first set ended in a pleasing score of 25-11.

Despite the Patriots being ready for revenge, TJ came out with excitement and confidence in the second set. Freshman Jessica Jackson played the game with enthusiasm, slamming the ball in the frenzied faces of the Lady Patriots, saying, “I know that we can’t let up in any of our games because they are just going to get harder and harder and more important,  so we need to take advantage of our games to grow stronger together.”

The ladies may be guilty of some over-confidence in the third set, and the game ended in a less pleasing score of 25-21; however, it was still a win and the ladies left the court satisfied with their performance. Head Coach Kathleen Nickless was extremely proud of the ladies, saying, “The difference between tonight and the first game against Arvada is like night and day. They are gelling together and becoming an unstoppable team. I can’t wait for the rest of the season.”

The ladies’ next game is against Fountain Fort Carson at Fountain Fort Carson September 26, 2011.

Thursday 9/2 @ Arvada High School 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Wednesday 9/7 Conifer High School @ TJ 7:00 pm (L 0-3)

Thursday 9/8 Westminster High School @ TJ 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Saturday 9/10 @ Palmer Tournament (Fifth Place)

Tuesday 9/13 @ Golden High School 7:00 pm (L 1-3)

Monday 9/19 Alameda High School @ TJ 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Thursday 9/22 George Washington High School @ TJ 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Monday 9/26 @ Fountain Fort Carson High School 7:00 pm

Tuesday 9/27 Denver West High School @ TJ 7:00 pm

Tuesday 10/4 @ Denver North High School 7:00 pm

Thursday 10/6 @ Kennedy High School 7:00 pm

Wednesday 10/12 Standley Lake High School @ TJ 7:00 pm

Thursday 10/13 @ South High School 7:00 pm

Wednesday 10/19 @ Rock Canyon High School 7:00 pm

Friday 10/21 @ Evergreen High School 7:00 pm

Saturday 10/22 League Crossovers TBA

Photo by Henry Jackson Jr.

Monday September 19, 2011 the ladies came out with determination to win, quickly taking down the Pirates with a 3-0 match in a quick 40-minute game. The Pirates were little of a match for the wrath of the Spartans, hitting and serving unrelentingly against them.

Senior Trisha Mortel was very pleased with the ladies’ performance, saying, “I’m really proud that our team didn’t play down to their level and make silly errors. I think that fact shows how strong of a team mentally we really are.” The score of the first set was 25-4, the second set 25-8, and the final set 25-13.

Senior Tracey Sanchez found the third game to still be an accomplishment despite the opponent’s higher score. “We continued to play really hard, allowing our coach to sub our starters and allow the whole team to play. It was fun not having to stress over the little things and being able to just enjoy the game and watch our teammates play,” she said.

Their record is now 6-3 and the team is preparing to go up strong against rival George Washington Thursday September 22. Head Coach Kathleen Nickless looks forward to the game, stating, “George Washington isn’t in our league but it always looks good for our team when we beat a 5A school.” The team knows the game may be a challenge but they’re only looking up. They plan on maintaining their record, only allowing it to get better and outdoing the stunning team from last year. Don’t forget to come support the Lady Spartans at their game on Thursday at George Washington High School at 7 p.m. and cheer them on to victory.

Photo by Henry Jackson Jr.

Tuesday September 13, 2011 volleyball took a hard loss to the Golden High School Demons. After losing the first set to the Demons they came back with vengeance and took the second. However, the third game was littered with bad calls on both sides, and on the Demons’ game point yet another poor decision was made and the Lady Spartans who lost 23-25. Senior Olivia Breningstall was devastated at the outcome. “We came back from 12-20 deficit and had such a great level of intensity, losing the third set that way was a tough blow to the team but we were determined to come back at them,” she said.

Despite having to mentally recover from the unfair loss in the third set, the ladies came out with fire but sadly lost steam after many calls against them, and the final score of the match was a loss of 1-3. The glory of the game came from the ladies emotions after, all in high spirits knowing they fought their hardest in an incredible game. Head Coach Kathleen Nickless commended the ladies on their performance, saying, “They need to learn to play their game and not let other people call it or get in their head. They are really starting to play together and show a lot of maturity; it’s going to be an awesome year.”

On Saturday September 10, 2011 the Lady Spartan’s made the long trip to Colorado Springs to participate in the Palmer Tournament at Palmer High School. Also scheduled at the tournament were: Alamosa, Peak to Peak, Monte Vista, Frederick, Sand Creek, and Palmer High Schools. Losing the first game 2-3 against to Frederick they were put in the lower bracket and after winning their next two games against Monte Vista (3-1) and Peak to Peak (3-0), they placed fifth overall.

The Lady Spartans’ games against Arvada and Westminster were quick sweeps, invigorating the team with confidence and excitement for their upcoming season. The ladies may have had a slow start in the season, not pulling off the win as expected against challenging teams such as Conifer, after their glorious season last year; however, the ladies’ game is finally beginning to take shape. After Tuesday’s game against Golden the ladies have promised to come out playing with passion and confidence in the young team. Senior Trisha Mortel expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “We’re a fresh young team and yet we’re beginning to play like we’ve known each other for a long time. The team chemistry is beautiful; we all really care about each other and this is going to take us farther than anything else, and I can’t wait.”

The ladies are looking to have a very impressive season and really prove themselves in the league games. So get out there TJ and support your Lady Spartans.

Thursday 9/2 @ Arvada High School 7:00 pm (L 3-0 )

Wednesday 9/7 Conifer High School @ TJ 7:00 pm(L 0-3 )

Thursday 9/8 Westminster High School @ TJ 7:00 pm (W 3-0)

Saturday 9/10 @ Palmer Tournament (Fifth Place)

Tuesday 9/13 @ Golden High School 7:00 pm (L 1-3)

Monday 9/19 Alameda High School @ TJ 7:00 pm

Thursday 9/22 George Washington High School @ TJ 7:00 pm

Monday 9/26 @ Fountain Fort Carson High School 7:00 pm

Tuesday 9/27 Denver West High School @ TJ 7:00 pm

Tuesday 10/4 @ Denver North High School 7:00 pm

Thursday 10/6 @ Kennedy High School 7:00 pm

Wednesday 10/12 Standley Lake High School @ TJ 7:00 pm

Thursday 10/13 @ South High School 7:00 pm

Wednesday 10/19 @ Rock Canyon High School 7:00 pm

Friday 10/21 @ Evergreen High School 7:00 pm

Saturday 10/22 League Crossovers TBA

The girl's Volleyball team work hard to keep a prestigious record. Photo by Mia Nogueira

This year the Spartan Volleyball team was able to defy all the boundaries and end the season placing 25^th in state with the titles of 4A City Champs, second in the league, a spot in districts, and showed off a record of 17-4. The team demonstrated a lot of hard work this year and really pushed to excel,” said Kira Rodriguez, a 4-year varsity player at TJ.

“This is the best team I have seen for the nine years I have been working at TJ; I was very hopeful for the team,” said Lani Nobles, the Athletic and Activities Director at TJ. The squad also had multiple players to make All City teams and Honorable Mention. Desa Beslic, Shonn McCaffrey, and Kira Rodriguez all made the prestigious First Team in City. Olivia Breningstall, Angela Becker, and Celeste Henderson made the Second Team, and Mallory Baker and Tracy Sanchez-Guevara were acknowledged as Honorable Mentions.

The squad only lost to one DPS team this year, in a hard-fought match with East High School 3-1. One of the Team’s biggest victories was the win against Rock Canyon, 3-2. “Our win against Rock Canyon was an awesome addition to our record this year. It really gave our team confidence,” said Becker, who is a returning sophomore on the Varsity team. The Girl’s had five televised games throughout the season, documenting their fiercely driven attitudes and outstanding team ethics.

Unfortunately, the team was disqualified from districts due to a mistake made in scheduling, breaking a CHASA rule allowing only 19 games for the season; the girls played 21. The team, coaches, and administration were all devastated, but were still able to celebrate the accomplishments the dedicated team was able to achieve. “We worked really hard to get to the place we did, and unfortunately -because the number of games played was overlooked- we were unable to continue our thriving success. This will become a learning experience for the team, and I am hopeful that they will do great next year,” said Senior Captain Rodriguez, who will be leaving the team with a legacy of an optimistic attitude.