The Eaton Reds volleyball team is off to a strong start after five straight wins to start the season. With victories over rivals such as Sterling and University, the Red’s momentum is continuing to grow.  

They took on the defending state champions, the Sterling Tigers on April 3, and were led by Sydney Leffer (21) and Rylee Martin (23).  The Reds won the game in five sets after winning the first, second, and fifth sets.  Leffler said, “This win means that we are at a good spot for where we are in the season, but we have to continue to get better and work harder.” They each had 20 digs each in the game and individually contributed to the Reds win.  Leffler also led the team in kills, with 17 in the match, followed by Abbey Hays (21) with 12.  Martin, the setter, had 36 assists in the match. 

Their next match, another rival, the University Bulldogs, ended in four sets. Another big win for the Reds against a rival only introduced more confidence.  Leffler said, “As a senior, I will continue to lead my team by not only performing at my best for me but for my team by bringing them up with me by encouraging them to play at their best as well.” They beat the Bulldogs in four sets after losing in the first set.  On the road, Leffler led the team in kills again with 21, followed by Hays with 19. Martin, who was setting, had 54 assists in the match. Defensively, the Reds libero, Delaney Ochsner (21) had 40 digs in the match.  

Their last match on April 8, ended with a sweep.  The Reds swept the Fossil Ridge with 12 aces as a team.  Ochsner led the team with five aces, followed by Martin with three.  The game was a big win from the start, they won the first set 25-9, the second 25-8, and the third 25-15.  The win brought the Reds’ record to 5-0.  Leffler said, “It feels great to start the season strong, it shows that we can only up from here. Don’t get me wrong, we may have some bumps in the road but we just know we have it in us to always come out on top.” 

Next for the Reds, the Estes Park Bobcats. Their record is 3-5 with wins against Lyons, Windsor Charter Academy, and Strasburg.  The Bobcats have lost to Frontier Academy twice, Resurrection Christian, Valley, and Brush.  The Reds will play the match at home on Thursday, April 8.