From its perch atop Class 4A Jeffco League volleyball standings, Ralston Valley has a clear view toward postseason play.
However, Thursday night at home against Alameda, the perspective from that precipice almost blurred the Mustangs’ focus.
The pesky Pirates surprised a Ralston Valley squad still searching for a formidable challenge in league play. Alameda stretched the Mustangs in 25-19 and 25-21 losses before succumbing 25-9 in the third game.
The visitors drew within 12-11 in the opening set and tied the Mustangs at 16 in the second game before Ralston Valley (15-2 overall, 8-0 in the league) pulled away to win both contests and cruised to a 3-0 triumph to remain undefeated in conference play.
The Pirates (3-13, 1-6) exchanged looks of anxiety in the opening moments for determined demeanors as they gained confidence in Mustangs miscues that led to Alameda points in the first two games.
“I think the first couple games my girls were in shock mode because they weren’t really expecting that from them (Alameda),” Ralston Valley coach Lisa Nelson said. “Once they realized they were going to be OK, they settled down.”
Ralston Valley’s Christine Casagranda notched five of her game-leading 15 kills in the third game as the Mustangs bolted to a 13-4 bulge and did not look back. Tricia Leger added 13 kills and two blocks for Ralston Valley.
Lauren Cook led the Pirates with three kills and a block and Rachel Hackenberg and Sydney Robertson added a pair of kills each for Alameda. Playing solid against winning teams has provided small consolation to a team destined to watch the state tournament from the bleachers.
“We don’t play like our record shows and all of our games have been really, really close,” Alameda coach Pooh Potter said. “We’ve gone five games with a lot of teams but we just don’t get the credit.”
Giving up is a thought that has not entered the Mustangs psyche this season as Ralston Valley begins preparation for the playoffs. The squad’s domination takes various forms as they have lost two games in nine match wins since losing in five games Sept. 14 to Class 5A powerhouse Heritage.
A conference finale against Summit (10-7, 7-1) Wednesday, after press time, also underscores the Mustangs resolve. The second-place Tigers lost 3-1 to an Elizabeth team shut out by Ralston Valley.
The Mustangs know they will have to eliminate slow starts such as the one that hampered the squad against Alameda.
“We have to get our heads into the game,” Leger said. “When we play the ball fast like we know we can, we should be able to get the win.”