“They say a team is built around character, but it's also built around heart. We stepped out on the court with character but lacked the heart,” senior middle blocker Caitlin Brady said after the games Saturday.

The Lady Cardinals traveled to volleyball districts, hosted by the Hotchkiss Lady Bulldogs, this weekend. There were three other teams in their pool: Hotchkiss, Rye and Monte Vista.

In the first match, the Cardinals were up against Hotchkiss, who they had beaten in four games the previous weekend. Both teams were determined, which sent them into a fifth game. Unfortunately, the Cardinals lost, 15-12.

Immediately following the loss to Hotchkiss, the Cardinals were up against Monte Vista, the No. 2 seed. A loss to this team would eliminate any chances of progressing on to regionals. This is when the team fell to pieces. Monte Vista took the hopes away from the Lady Cardinals in four games.

As all hopes of advancing to regionals vanished, Grand Valley quietly stepped onto the court for the last match of the season against Rye.

The seniors took their last attacks and digs together. They made some great plays and very few errors.

Said Brady: “In our last game, all six seniors went out to play for nothing but our school, our community and ourselves. We ended our season with one last win. It was a long, hard road, but we won't ever forget or regret it.”

Cedaredge's defense can't stop the Cards

Patches of snow covered the field. Not many people were warm at Friday's football game against Cedaredge. The players' warm breath blew through the face guards of their helmets. Tackles into the snow sent a shower of ice.

Despite the conditions, the Cardinals had a great game.

Quarterback Ryan Gallegos had two touchdown passes to Omar Melendrez and Jared Tonder. Tonder and Eric Glaze each rushed for a touchdown. Tyler Radel returned an interception for a touchdown.

Said Gallegos: “It was a big win for us. It keeps us in the running for the playoffs. Everyone played well, and we seem to be getting better and better each week, which we need to be playing our best for this week facing Olathe.”

The final score was 35-7.

The Cardinals will be traveling to Olathe next Friday. Olathe is ranked as one of the top teams in the state at this point. This should be an interesting game. It starts at 7 p.m.

State cross country rescheduled

This is good news for some cross country athletes, given the amount of snow that fell on the Front Range.

Due to the 18 inches of snow that fell on the course last week, the Colorado High School Activities Association rescheduled the state cross country meet for Saturday, Nov. 7. This is especially great news for regional champion Brandi Krieg, who will now be able to run at state.

The previous week, Krieg had to decide between state cross country and district volleyball. After choosing volleyball, she practiced all week and traveled with the team to Hotchkiss.

Unfortunately, the volleyball team will not be continuing on to the regional tournament; however, Krieg has a new opportunity to run next weekend.

“It is disappointing that our volleyball team didn't make it further, but now I have a chance to compete at state,” commented Krieg.

Krieg and Sam Whelan will both be representing Grand Valley. Good luck!

Sami Jo Krieg is a Grand Valley High School student.