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2A volleyball: Fowler triumphs for 11th volleyball crown

By Tracy Renck, Special to The Rocky

Published November 8, 2008 at 10:31 p.m.

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2A All-Tournament Team

Stacy Post, Wray, 5-8, Sr.

Megan Beiriger, Sangre de Cristo, 5-7, Jr.

Breanna Cullity, Colorado Springs School, 6-2, Sr.

Tracee Hamacher, Colorado Springs School, 5-9, Sr.

Morgan Moss, Fowler, 5-6, Sr.

Bethany Moss, Fowler, 5-8, Fr.

MVP: Morgan Moss, Fowler

Results

Pool play

Fowler def. Burlington 25-17, 14-25, 25-18, 28-26

Colorado Springs School def. Sangre de Cristo 25-14, 28-26, 25-19

Wray def. Mancos 19-25, 25-13, 25-7, 10-25, 15-12

Resurrection Christian def. Rangely 19-25, 25-23, 25-22, 25-19

Semifinals

Fowler def. Sangre de Cristo 25-13, 25-20, 25-14

Colorado Springs School def. Wray 25-21, 21-25, 23-25, 25-16, 15-11

Finals

Fowler def. Colorado Springs School 25-20, 25-21, 25-13

When Sandy Moss took over the storied volleyball program at Fowler it took her awhile to understand the expectations of her job.

"I remember when I first started, I had a parent ask me if I knew what I was getting into and if I was capable of doing the job," Moss said.

Saturday, she silenced all of her critics.

Fowler played brilliantly en route to defeating the Colorado Springs School 25-20, 25-21, 25-13 in the Class 2A championship match Saturday at the Denver Coliseum.

This was Fowler's 11th state volleyball championship. The Grizzlies have now won titles in 1981, '83, '88, 1992-93, '95, 1997-99, 2005 and 2008.

"This win wasn't about me," Moss said. "This championship is all about the girls. I love these girls. They came out here and played their best volleyball of the season."

Fowler ended its magical season with a 28-3 record. The Kodiaks finished with a 29-2 mark. Both their losses came against Fowler -- one at regionals and one at state.

Prior to the 2A final, Vin Mizer was presented the Pioneer Award by the Colorado High School Activities Association. Mizer compiled a

684-82 career record and led the Grizzlies to nine state championships.

Dusty Lotrich-coached the 2005 team to the title.

"Now, Vin, Dusty and I have state championships and that's a great feeling," Moss said.

Against the Colorado Springs School, Fowler set the tone leading 12-8 in Game 1.

The Kodiaks countered and cut the deficit to 20-18, but then Morgan Moss powered the Grizzlies to the five-point win. Moss, a 5-foot-6 setter and the lone senior on the squad, and Bethany Moss, a freshman outside hitter, are the coach's daughters.

Game 2 and 3 were more of the same as the Kodiaks had no answer for the Moss duo and Bethany Klinkerman and April Gonzales.

"We knew what they could do, we just couldn't stop them," said Colorado Springs School coach Kyong Lee, whose team was making its first appearance at the state tournament. "They're very good team. Give them all the credit in the world."

Morgan Moss, meanwhile, couldn't wipe the smile or tears of joy of her face.

"This is just outstanding," Moss said, "Everybody on this team did their part so we could win state. This is just awesome."

Morgan Moss missed several matches this season with a right foot injury that's still not healthy.

"Morgan led us at this tournament and now hopefully she can get some rest for that foot," Sandy Moss said. "I'm just so happy for these girls. We played our best volleyball at the best time of the year."

Fowler defeated fellow Southern Colorado squad, Sangre de Cristo 25-13, 25-20, 25-14 in the semifinals Saturday.