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Ali Washington (11) spikes the ball over the net during a pre-season volleyball practice. Washington has been on the varsity volleyball team since her freshman year, and hopes to continue playing through her senior year.

Five divisions of volleyball in one building. The Denver Coliseum hosts a slew of bumpers, setters, and spikers in the second weekend of November for the state volleyball tournament. Courts are stacked side by side, and the action is non-stop.

For seniors Angala Jenson, Brooke Garretson, McKenzie Petriko, and Katie McKiel, this manic action of the state meet is not a new experience. The players have represented the green and gold at state three times, taking second to Eaton in 2013 and reaching the state semifinal last year.

Jensen, a setter, has been the team captain for the past two years. “Our team is very close this year. We all love each other. For me at least, volleyball has made me come out of a shell and meet a lot of new friends,” she says.The team’s cohesion comes as an added bonus with the team’s impressive statistical column. McKiel’s 529 kills in the 2014 season exemplifies the skill capabilities of this team.

The seasoned seniors will play under new coach, Jane Squires. Squires is the third coach in four years for the Mustangs. She hails from Kansas where she won a state championship after an undefeated season.

Expect an exciting match-up when the team travels to league rival Colorado Springs Christian School on September 29th. Despite Manitou winning the Tri-Peaks League title last fall, the CSCS Lions rank second in the CHSAA 3A state volleyball standings, one spot above the Mustangs. Defending state champ Eaton retains the top position in the pre-season rankings despite graduating their star striker, Kortney Lockey. The Mustangs are not scheduled to face Eaton in the regular season, and if the two are likely to meet it would be at the state Tournament.