SET FOR SUCCESS

This season was a good one for the CCA Varsity Volleyball Team. There were many wins and highlights throughout the season, the greatest one being the opportunity to compete at the state competition! The CCA volleyball team entered the season seeded as number one in Class 4A. They compiled a strong record (reported at 42-3 entering the quarterfinals) after the regional rounds. Throughout the season, the team maintained a “next point” mentality. This means that they stayed focused on getting points set-by-set instead of focusing on mistakes. The girls went into the state competition carrying the burden of crazy high expectations. Personally, our team’s standing at the start of state created a sense of pride and sureness. Nobody was worried about nor expecting a loss: how could we lose during the quarterfinals? I suppose that question will never be answered. 

CCA VARSITY GIRLS VOLLEYBALL TEAM CELEBRATING; PHOTO BY SAM STRANK

Quarterfinals (November 3, 2025)

The Clippers faced Sergeant Bluff‑Luton Warriors and won in straight sets: 25-23, 25-9, 25-21. Senior and ASU commit Averie Lower recorded 17 kills on 36 attacks. The offense during the quarterfinals was great, but so was the defensive coverage. Many rallies came down to crucial digs of the opposing team’s hits. It seemed that our team was able to get the plays back in their favor in most rallies.  We can owe this to the players (of course) and specifically the balance between the team’s defense and offense for the clean win. The supporters in the stands surely recognized this. Students and families flocked to the arena to get the chance to see the exhilarating match. I think the supportive atmosphere added to the sportsmanship, and eventual win for the match. In the words of our principal, Thomas Daniel, “The enthusiasm and sportsmanship shown by our student section exceeded our expectations, and they represented CCA with class and pride!” With that being said there were some concerns regarding CCA’s student section. Due to student behavior previously, us students were implored not to disrespect opposing team players and supporters, but instead to demonstrate proper sportsmanship. This year it was evident that the student section really turned it around: let’s give ourselves a pat on the back here. A good student section can clearly go a long way!

Semifinals (November 5, 2025)

The Clippers faced North Scott Lancers in the dramatic semifinals. The atmosphere during the semifinals was not quite the same as the previous match, as the pairing between CCA and North Scott already held some tension. We all knew that this would be a greater challenge, but everyone held much hope! The first two sets were definitely a bit challenging for the girls. This was shown through the score. Still, us supporters held on tight and kept cheering. As we neared the third set, and eventually the fourth, CCA really needed to turn things around if they were to get that win. In the end, the final score was: 25-2 for the first set, 21-25 for the second set, 25-23 for the third set, 18-25 for the fourth set, and the fifth and final set ended up being 15-13 in favor of North Scott. At first, during the final set, CCA led 13-10. In that set, the Clippers gave it their all. Hope, resilience and momentum remained on and off the court. Sadly, things just did not go the way we all hoped. In the end, North Scott swept up five final points to close the match. One of the biggest challenges for the Clipper girls seemed to be North Scott’s star, McKenzie Moeller. Being an outside hitter, Moeller showcased the talent to hit quickly, unpredictably, and with such vigor that we just couldn’t quite shut her down. Although we succumbed in the semifinal, CCA’s volleyball team had a “generational run” this season. The no.1 seeding, the strength in the earlier round, the leadership by seniors, and resilience even when faced with challenges goes to show this. Their loss in the semifinal ended our chance at our first ever state title. This does not erase the fact that their performance sets them up for a promising future as a 4A varsity volleyball team. The style of play remained disciplined, focused on execution and next-point mindset, through and through. We all knew that the semifinal match could end up any which way being at a state competition level. Ultimately, a 5-point swing at the end of the fifth set decided the outcome. “We did not end the season on a win, but we had a great group of girls and so many enjoyable moments this season that we will be able to carry those with us.” — Coach Jackie Clubb. In addition to this, Clubb had a few more final thoughts on the season: “I am extremely pleased with how the girls fought hard all the way to the end of the season. We are so appreciative of what the seniors gave to the program, and we are thankful for their leadership.” I think we can all agree that the volleyball team’s hard work and triumph this season is held with high regard!

Final Thoughts

Going to state is always something that is exciting. It’s an accomplishment that the student body and teachers alike wear as a badge of honor, as if being the players themselves. Our student body was delighted to get out of school and go support our girls at Xtream Arena this November. In fact, it seems that with state volleyball, all else must take a step back. So you can imagine that the loss to North Scott was an unfortunate and abrupt end to all the excitement. Honestly, the excitement might have initially died with the loss to North Scott, but the fight the volleyball team put up was well worth it, no matter the outcome. That determination and skill that the volleyball players showed throughout their season still lingers around CCA. It lingers in the halls, in their friendships with each other, and all of us who support them. Even when things did not work in their favor, they stuck together. I think that’s what volleyball is really about: being part of a team! And here at CCA, I feel as though we are all part of a team. One team. Together. Go Clippers!