Archive for March 7th, 2008

Boys lacrosse notebook

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* The Pueblo West program took its lumps in its first varsity season, finishing 1-14. But the Cyclones’ 2007 record isn’t dimming the enthusiasm this year.

“Nobody is down,” coach Bob Vigil said. “Everybody is excited. A lot of kids went to camps and worked on stick skills and participated in offseason workout programs. They’ve been working hard.”

Pueblo West is the only high school lacrosse program in the Steel City. The program started at the middle school level a few years ago, and Pueblo West started the program three years ago.

“The city is starting to embrace the sport and there is a buzz in the city,” Vigil said.

* Fairview probably will not surpass Cherry Creek and Mullen in the Centennial League race this season, but if the Knights can reach the playoffs again, they could be trouble.

Goalkeeper Mike Deemer is a three-year starter and some coaches believe he is one of the best in the state. Deemer had 164 saves in 12 games last year and posted a 5.17 goals-against average.

“With a great goalie, you are in every single game you play,” Fairview coach Tom Knight said.

* One of the best players in the state is only a junior. Kent Denver midfielder Patrick Murray recently was ranked the 12th-best junior in the country by Inside Lacrosse magazine. Murray, whose brother Joey plays for the University of Denver, already has committed to Georgetown. Murray leads what Sun Devils coach Tom Graesser calls the “strongest junior class he has seen in Colorado.”

* Jim Beardmore takes over a Colorado Academy team that lost in the second round of the state playoffs last season. Beardmore is a former two-time all-pro in the Major Indoor Lacrosse league. After finishing his pro career, he coached at Severna Park High School in Maryland, where he had a 50-8 record and won the 2004 Maryland state championship.

* Regis Jesuit already is loaded with talent this season with All-American Greyson Konkel, Manhattan-bound goalkeeper Troy Orzech and defenseman Michael Gordon, who signed with Dartmouth. But the Raiders will get another addition with the return of long-pole midfielder Chris Duncan. A senior, Duncan tore up his knee in the first scrimmage last year and missed the season.

* First-year coach Sean McCarthy has brought a blue-collar mentality to Heritage. McCarthy, who also plays for Major League Lacrosse’s Denver Outlaws, said that mentality has proved successful throughout his career.

“That’s how I was brought up playing in New York, and I want to bring that style across here,” he said.

McCarthy, a third-year defenseman for the Outlaws, said he has enjoyed being part of the sport’s growing popularity in Colorado.

“Lacrosse is growing out here and I want to be part of it,” he said.

Boys lacrosse league outlooks

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Centennial League

Favorite: Cherry Creek

Contenders: Mullen, Grandview, Fairview, Smoky Hill

Outlook: Mullen is probably the only Centennial League team that can challenge Cherry Creek for the league title. Bruins coach Bryan Perry says Cherry Creek’s defense and attack units are the strongest they have been, and that’s saying something about the perennial power that saw its run of two consecutive state titles snapped by Fort Collins last season. Mullen, which reached the quarterfinals last year, has high expectations. The midfield will be one of state’s best with DU-bound Kyle Wollenhaupt. The Fairview-Grandview game is usually pivotal in the race for third place. This year the game will be hosted by the Knights. It wouldn’t be a shock if Smoky Hill or Boulder make a push for third place, either. Eaglecrest went 10-5 last year, and with leading scorer Chris Jaster pacing the attack, the Raptors could challenge for a playoff berth after missing the postseason last year. Cherokee Trail is a senior-led team that expects to compete.

Top players: Mario Angulo, Overland, Sr.; Allen Autrong, Boulder, So.; Patrick Autrong, Boulder, So.; Nick Bailey, Cherry Creek, Sr.; Jeff Barton, Cherry Creek, Sr.; Billy Baumgartner, Boulder, So; Jake Bolling, Cherry Creek, Sr.; Peter Beer, Boulder, Sr.; Jacob Bock, Grandview, Sr.; Mike Deemer, Fairview, Sr.; John DiGiorgio, Cherokee Trail, Sr.; Alex Gest, Eaglecrest, Jr.; Ricky Giancola, Cherry Creek, Sr.; Ryan Guy, Mullen, Sr.; Billy Haege, Grandview, Jr.; Cory Hughes, Mullen, Sr.; Chris Jaster, Eaglecrest, Sr.; Kyle Kachta, Cherokee Trail, Sr.; Jonas Kurronen, Mullen, Jr.; Mat Lee, Fairview, Jr.; Ryan Link, Cherry Creek, Sr.; Kyle Martin, Grandview, sr.; T.J. McCauley, Cherry Creek, Sr.; Cam McKillip, Cherokee Trail, Sr.; Matt Metzger, Fairview, Sr.; Mike Pinney, Eaglecrest, Sr.; Matt Query, Fairview, Sr.; Andy Siegmund, Smoky Hill, Sr.; Mike Sorge, Eaglecrest, Jr.; James Stanley, Mullen, Jr.; Jon Watt, Cherokee Trail, Sr.; Kyle Wollenhaupt, Mullen, Sr.

Continental League

Favorite: Regis Jesuit

Contenders: Arapahoe, Chaparral, Mountain Vista, Heritage.

Outlook: Regis Jesuit and Arapahoe will compete for the league title, with the Raiders getting a slight nod because of the Warriors’ youth. Overall, Regis has seven starters back after reaching the quarterfinals. Arapahoe lost in the semis and graduated many key contributors. Mountain Vista continues to emerge and returns half of its starters, including midfielder Keaton Ohara, the program’s first Division I-college signee. The Golden Eagles will once again compete with Heritage for third place. The Eagles will have an influx of talented juniors and seven seniors, and will be anchored by a solid defense. Chaparral is reflective of the league’s growing talent base, which will soon close the gap between the league’s lower echelon teams and the perennial powers. The Wolverines went 11-6 last year, after finishing just 2-13 in 2006. With all but two starters back the Wolverines will be a team to watch.

Top players: Nate Behrends, Ponderosa, Sr.; Adam Booth, Douglas County, Sr.; Dennis Carrasquillo, Chaparral, Sr.; Josh Clark, Ponderosa, Jr.; Austin Demmel, Mountain Vista, Sr.; Ryan Dore, Mountain Vista, Sr.; Chris Duncan, Regis Jesuit, Sr.; Daniel Dureski, Rangeview, Sr.; Will Duzen, Heritage, Sr.; Ed Ferguson, Rock Canyon, Sr.; Flinn Fowler, Rock Canyon, Sr.; Clayton Frawley, Rangeview, Sr.; C.J. Gerber, Rocky Canyon, Sr.; Michael Gordon, Regis Jesuit, Sr.; Kyle Griese, Ponderosa, Jr.; Kyle Hercher, Heritage, Jr.; John Hossack, Heritage, Jr.; Tim Janke, Rangeview, Sr.; Greyson Konkel, Regis Jesuit, Sr.; Matt Kramer, Heritage, Jr.; Eric Law, Arapahoe, Jr.; Miles Lepry, Arapahoe, Sr.; Alex Martinez, Chaparral, Sr.; Bill Mercer, Arapahoe, Sr.; Chad Meurer, Ponderosa, Jr.; Trevor Moody, Chaparral, Sr.; Keaton Ohara, Mountain Vista, Sr.; Troy Orzech, Regis Jesuit, Sr.; Adam Paranka, Mountain Vista, Sr.; Ryan Parietta, Arapahoe, Jr.; Jeff Schoening, Mountain Vista, Sr.; Zachary Schwaigert, Rangeview, Sr.; Cory Shoopman, Rangeview, Sr.; Taylor Young, Heritage, Jr.; Tyler Zabor, Rock Canyon, Jr.

Foothills League

Favorite: Fort Collins

Contenders: Golden, Columbine, Monarch, Wheat Ridge

Outlook: Fort Collins won its first state title a year earlier than expected, and this season the Vipers should follow-up with a dominating league run before the playoffs. With several Fort Collins schools funneling into the Vipers program, the talent base should continue to be one of the state’s best. Columbine finished a strong second last year. This season Golden could give the Rebels a battle for runner-up in the division. Wheat Ridge will be pesky with a high-scoring attack led by Jerry Nemeth, and Monarch will be in the hunt for the postseason as well. Alexander Dawson will be in the mix for one of the league’s top four playoff berths.

Top players: Matt Bradley, Wheat Ridge, Sr.; Jay Darling, Ft. Collins, Sr.; Max Erickson, Chatfield, Sr.; Colton Fatzinger, Wheat Ridge, Sr.; Stephen George, Columbine, Sr.; Erik Gustafson, Golden, Sr.; Will Kaley, Wheat Ridge, Sr.; Gritz Kuhn, Monarch, Sr.; Kyle Kunau, Golden, Sr.; Ian McDonald, Wheat Ridge, Sr.; Brandon Medina, Monarch, Sr.; Henry Miketa, Ft. Collins, Sr.; Jerry Nemeth, Wheat Ridge, Sr.; Eric Newman, Ft. Collins, Sr.; Alex Puldy, Monarch, Jr.; Ryan Ripperton, Columbine, Sr.; Steven Roybal, Golden, Sr.; Greg Rushing, Ft. Collins, Sr.; Justin Singer, Columbine, Jr.; Alex Taylor, Golden, Sr.; Brock Waddell, Ft. Collins, Sr.; Taylor Wells, Columbine, Jr.; Trent Wise, Columbine, Sr.

Southern League

Favorite: Kent Denver

Contenders: Denver East, Colorado Academy, Air Academy

Outlook: After nearly winning its third state title in the past five years, Kent Denver will once again be a front-runner to challenge for the title. The collection of talent the Sun Devils have is impressive, but don’t expect Denver East to be intimidated. The Angels have a solid group, and Richie Londer, one of the state’s better goalkeepers, now wears contact lens’ to correct a depth perception problem. Nobody is ruling out Colorado Academy. The Mustangs have a new coach in Jim Beardmore, who had great success coaching in Maryland. Air Academy lost 16 seniors, but the Kadets aren’t worried. Coming off a strong indoor season, the Kadets have good depth, particularly in the midfield, and should return to the postseason. George Washington finished one win shy of qualifying for the playoffs a year ago. The Patriots return eight starters, including three-year starters Stephen Brizie and Tyler Blessing on defense.

Top players: Chris Anderson, Colorado Academy, Sr.; Tyler Blessing, George Washington, Sr.; Stephen Brizie, George Washington, Sr.; Jake Bruder, Air Academy, Sr.; Matt DeLoux, Air Academy, Sr.; Rye Finnegan, Denver East, Sr.; Marcus Giebel, Pueblo West, So.; Danny Jordan, Pueblo West, So.; Tucker Larsen, Denver East, Sr.; Cameron Markway, Pueblo West, Jr.; Patrick Murray, Kent Denver, Jr.; Andrew Pritzlaff, Kent Denver, Sr.; Lucien Reichert, Kent Denver, Sr.; Michael Reilly, Kent Denver, Sr.; Josh Russell, Denver East, Sr.; Joey Skovgaard, Air Academy, Sr.; Moses Taylor, Kent Denver, Sr.; Jamie Urbana, Denver East, Jr.; Bryan Vigil, Pueblo West, Jr.; Fred Waddle, Air Academy, Jr.

Boys lacrosse Top 10

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1 Fort Collins: The Vipers are talented enough to repeat.

2 Kent Denver: After finishing as state runners-up, the Sun Devils return 13 seniors.

3 Regis Jesuit: The Raiders have two of the state’s top talents.

4 Cherry Creek: The Bruins have six starting seniors with two state titles already.

5 Mullen: Kyle Wollenhaupt is the motor in the middle for the Mustangs.

6 Denver East: Josh Russell scored 35 goals last season and leads the attack.

7 Arapahoe: The Warriors replace their entire defense, but a good offense returns.

8 Heritage: Coach and Outlaws player Sean McCarthy vows his team won’t be outworked.

9 Grandview: The Wolves bring back only four starters but will be tough offensively.

10 Chaparral: The Wolverines should continue to rise after losing only two starters.

* Consensus league picks: Cherry Creek (Centennial), Regis Jesuit (Continental), Fort Collins (Foothills), Kent Denver (Southern).

TOP PLAYERS BY POSITION

Player School Year

ATTACKERS Jacob Bock Grandview Sr. Flinn Fowler Rock Canyon Sr. Chris Jaster Eaglecrest Sr. Ryan Law Arapahoe Jr. Ryan Link Cherry Creek Sr. Henry Miketa Fort Collins Sr. Ryan Parietta Arapahoe Jr. Ryan Ripperton Columbine Sr. Josh Russell Denver East Sr.

MIDFIELDERS Nick Bailey Cherry Creek Sr. Daniel Dureski Rangeview Sr. Greyson Konkel Regis Jesuit Sr. Gritz Kuhn Monarch Sr. Patrick Murray Kent Denver Jr. Jerry Nemeth Wheat Ridge Sr. Keaton Ohara Mountain Vista Sr. Matt Query Fairview Sr. Michael Reilly Kent Denver Sr. Kyle Wollenhaupt Mullen Sr.

DEFENDERS Jake Bolling Cherry Creek Sr. Steven Brizie G. Washington Sr. Jay Darling Fort Collins Sr. Austin Demmel Mountain Vista Sr. Michael Gordon Regis Jesuit Sr. Kyle Hercher Heritage Jr. Andrew Pritzlaff Kent Denver Sr. Steve Roybal Golden Sr. Greg Rushing Fort Collins Sr.

GOALKEEPERS Mike Deemer Fairview Sr. Stephen George Columbine Sr. Richie Londer Denver East Jr. Alex Martinez Chaparral Sr. Troy Orzech Regis Jesuit Sr. Lucien Reichert Kent Denver Sr. James Stanley Mullen Jr. Jon Watt Cherokee Trail Sr.

Miketa puts bite in Vipers

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Senior attacker gives Fort Collins chance to repeat

Rich Abrahamson / Fort Collins Coloradoan/2007
Fort Collins attacker Henry Miketa recorded 51 goals and 29 assists in helping the Vipers to a state championship last season. He’s one of eight returning starters for Fort Collins.
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An extensive survey of lacrosse coaches around the state reveals a common belief: Now that Fort Collins has arrived, the Vipers will not be going away anytime soon.

The Vipers had a breakthrough season last year, winning their first state title. Fort Collins never before had reached the semifinals, but behind a strong corps of juniors, the Vipers were holding the trophy at season’s end.

With eight of 11 starters returning, the Vipers are fully capable of adding their second title. The main component is senior attacker Henry Miketa, who had 51 goals and 29 assists last season.

Miketa, who will play for Bellarmine University in Louisville, Ky., next year, widely was regarded around the state before the state playoffs began after leading the Vipers in scoring for two seasons.

The playoffs further established the 6-foot-1, 195-pound junior as perhaps the state’s top attacker. He recorded 16 points in four playoff games as the Vipers jelled into an offensive juggernaut, advancing to the championship game by beating the state’s elite programs.

“Most of those (playoff) points he scored came when it counted the most,” Fort Collins coach Carey Smith said.

Opposing teams tried to block off Miketa, but when that happened, Miketa either tortured teams by finding his teammates for easy goals or he scored anyway, positioned sideways of the goal.

“When that happens, it makes room for my teammates,” Miketa said. “And I definitely have some of the best teammates around, particularly on my attack line.”

Miketa’s style was described by one coach as “Canadian- style physical,” with an ability to bounce off the physical blocks of bigger defenders in order to get a good look at the goal.

It’s no coincidence Miketa’s style is described this way. He started his lacrosse career playing in an indoor league, where space is at a premium and physical play is the standard.

“It brings a different aspect to your game,” Miketa said. “You have less space and smaller goals. So you have to be more accurate with your shots. Canadians tend to get in tight to the defender and use their size.”

“Miketa is just a tough matchup,” Mullen coach Mitch Brin said. “He can score standing sideways to the goal. He’s just a great finisher.”

Smith admits he was a little surprised by winning the state championship last season, although the aspirations were high with the talent the program had assembled. Smith said this season was the one Fort Collins had targeted to reach the championship game.

“This is the year we expected to win state,” he said. “Last year, our goal was the semis, but we just put together a great run.”

Spring in step for Warriors

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Arapahoe sharpshooter, teammates eye state title

Arapahoe’s Kate Spring leads a talented group of seniors who have their sights set on a state lacrosse title. Spring is considered the best shot on the team.
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Kate Spring’s vision is not hers alone. While Spring is an undeniable sharpshooter, the roster of skilled seniors on the Arapahoe girls lacrosse team and their coach help define that vision.

There is no denying, though, Spring’s eye for the goal, which seemingly can neither be explained nor solved.

“I don’t know what it is,” said Spring, who is fast in the open field and crafty in traffic. “As soon as I catch the ball and turn to the net, I see an opening. I know exactly where to put my shot and how to fake the goalie out.”

Regular-season competition begins Thursday and Cherry Creek is the odds-on favorite to record a third consecutive title and the program’s seventh overall when the sport’s 10th championship is decided May 14.

Still, Spring and the Warriors could interrupt the Bruins’ run.

“Our goal, obviously, is to win state,” Spring said. “But to do that, we can’t look ahead to the state game. Each game, from the first one on, is a challenge in itself.”

Arapahoe is led by five skilled and experienced seniors who have played together on the varsity since they were freshmen.

Coach Katie Peksa, a 25-year-old who played lacrosse collegiately and internationally, would not entertain the thought that there is a single standout for the Warriors.

Instead, Peksa said each senior, along with some notable underclassmen, combine their respective talents into a single force on the field.

“They are all exceptional players in their own way,” Peksa said.

Senior Channing Ahbe teams with Spring for a potent attack, Addison Rounds and Katie Gerhard control the midfield and vocal leader Hadley Bush runs the defense.

The Warriors finished 15-3 last season, losing to traditional powers Cherry Creek once and Kent Denver twice, including a 15-9 loss to the Sun Devils in the state semifinals.

Gerhard, who said that playoff loss helped open the Warriors’ eyes to what is possible, believes her team is on course to win the school’s first lacrosse championship. She also said Spring’s deadeye shot could be the deciding factor.

“I don’t want to give away any of her secrets, but she knows when to shoot and where to shoot it,” Gerhard said.

Spring, who has a 3.64 grade-point average, will attend Colorado State and play on the lacrosse and field hockey club teams. Don’t expect Spring or any of the other Warriors to look past the season at hand, though.

“Expectations are very high,” Bush said. “We are hoping this is the year we can pull it together and beat Creek.”

That is no easy task, but the symbiotic relationship among the Arapahoe seniors could make it happen.

“There is such a strong connection between all of us seniors,” Rounds said. “I can run down the field and look to either side and know that someone will be there. That’s a good feeling in tough games.”

Girls lacrosse notebook

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* For opposing coaches, facing powerhouse Cherry Creek can be a numbers game.

Senior sisters Lauren and Morgan Johnson are a daunting 1-2 punch in the midfield and on attack. But Allie Welsh, who transferred from Kent Denver before last season, is a threat in her own right.

“The Johnson twins at Creek are fantastic players, but I’m a fan of Allie Welsh,” Air Academy coach Sean Harmon said. “So, what do you do? Do you cover two nines or a 10?”

Welsh and Lauren Johnson have signed to play lacrosse at the University of California.

* In only its fourth year as a varsity program, a young Chaparral team has positioned itself as a contender.

As a 12th seed in the 2007 state playoffs, the Wolverines upset fifth-seeded Air Academy in the first round, leaving Chaparral confident and hungry for more.

Coach Dix Baines said his current squad might have the best young talent in his nine years.

“Now it’s just a matter of how quickly they put it all together and how they understand the terminology,” Baines said. “The potential to play really well is there.”

Junior Chelsea Cyester will assume more of a field leader role this season, and Shelby Hill provides a perfect complement on attack.

* Kent Denver has played in seven of the past nine state championship games, winning titles in 2005 and 2002.

The Sun Devils’ other five title- game appearances ended at the hands of Cherry Creek, and none was harder to stomach than last season’s 14-13 overtime loss.

That one goal is all that separates the programs during the past three seasons. Cherry Creek won 9-7 in 2006 and Kent Denver won it all in 2005 with a 10-8 final.

Senior midfielder Kara Secora, who will play for the University of Denver next year, led the Sun Devils in scoring last season.

* Alisa Konishi begins her fourth season as the starting goalkeeper for Mullen, allowing coach Allie Craig the freedom to focus on other aspects of the field.

“It’s nice to have such a solid presence back there,” Craig said. “It gives me one less thing to worry about.”

Konishi, who has committed to play for James Madison, was selected as one of the top five high school goalies in the nation this season by Inside Lacrosse magazine.

* Smoky Hill senior Kristi Irgens tore an anterior cruciate ligament during the field hockey season. She is in the process of rehabilitation, but new coach Perry Wyatt, who headed Green Mountain’s program the past two years, said Irgens should be ready to play by April.

* Denver East is a revamped team this season. Eleven seniors graduated from an Angels squad that recorded only a .500 record in the 2007 regular season before rolling into the state semifinals with upset victories in the first two rounds. Also adding to the new look is coach Callie McRitchie.

* Golden exceeded expectations last season by reaching the state quarterfinals, and second-year coach Crystal Sagan anticipates greater success because the Demons will not be starting from the ground floor this time.

“We’re not beginning at the basic level like we did in my first season,” Sagan said. “And we don’t build anything around a particular player. We spread the scoring around, and that makes us harder to defend.”

Girls Lacrosse League Outlooks

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Associated Press
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
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Girls lacrosse Top 10
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Spring in step for Warriors

Centennial

Favorite: Cherry Creek

Contenders: Smoky Hill, Mullen

Outlook: Two-time defending state champion Cherry Creek always seems to find a perfect blend of experienced leaders and young talent, and the Bruins always seem to win the state championship (six since 1999). Mullen, like most every other team, wants to upset Cherry Creek, and goalkeeper Alisa Konishi is the Mustangs’ wild card. Smoky Hill has a few holes to fill but should be in the mix, while Grandview has appeared on the verge the past couple of seasons but has yet to produce.

Top players: Meredith Dodd, Boulder, Sr.; Kristi Irgens, Smoky Hill, Sr.; Lauren Johnson, Cherry Creek, Sr.; Alisa Konishi, Mullen, Sr.; Lindsey McMorris, Mullen, Sr.; J.J. Smith, Grandview, Sr.; Carly Wagner, Smoky Hill, Sr.; Ashley Walters, Grandview, Sr.; Allie Welsh, Cherry Creek, Sr.

Continental

Favorite: Arapahoe

Contenders: Chaparral, Regis-Jesuit, Heritage-Littleton

Outlook: Many believe this is the year for the Arapahoe Warriors, a team of close-knit seniors with skills. An unproven goalkeeper raises some concern, as does the caliber of the league’s teams. Chaparral won’t sneak up on anybody from here on out, but the Wolverines are good enough to go toe-to-toe against any team’s best. Heritage-Littleton and Regis might be teams heading in different directions, with the latter finding its footing and looking for a playoff victory while the former needs to find help for its few standout players.

Top players: Channing Ahbe, Arapahoe, Sr.; Olivia Annalora, Heritage-Littleton, Sr.; Chelsea Cyester, Chaparral, Jr.; Elizabeth Datino, Heritage-Littleton, Jr.; Meredith Dunn, Regis Jesuit, Jr.; Katie Gerhard, Arapahoe, Sr.; Bridget McGann, Regis Jesuit, So.; Sarah Moyer, Regis Jesuit, Jr.; Alexis Rawlins, Regis Jesuit, Jr.; Kate Spring, Arapahoe, Sr.; Anna Wallingford, Heritage-Littleton, Sr.

Jefferson County

Favorite: Golden

Contenders: Ralston Valley, Columbine

Outlook: Golden exceeded expectations last season under new head coach Crystal Sagan, and that success and playoff experience figures to translate positively this time around. Ralston Valley took a hit from graduation and will need to gel early, and the story is similar at Columbine. Wheat Ridge, which qualified for the 2007 playoffs despite only four victories, hopes to build on that lucky roll of the dice.

Top players: Sydney Berdon, Evergreen, Jr.; Becca Conklin, Golden, Sr.; Alex Fouts, Columbine, Sr.; Rachel Hebberd, Golden, So.; Phaedra Randolph, Ralston Valley, Jr.; Ashley Sanders, Chatfield, Jr.; Abby Spencer, Ralston Valley, Sr.; Courtney Tamulis, Green Mountain, Sr.; Sonorah Vinyard, Columbine, Jr.

Metro

Favorite: Kent Denver

Contenders: Colorado Academy, Denver East, St. Mary’s Academy

Outlook: Kent Denver, despite its unchallenged status as a state powerhouse, often stands in the shadow of Cherry Creek. The Sun Devils, however, should have little trouble winning a quality league that features 2007 state semifinalist Denver East, 2000 state champion Colorado Academy and an improving St. Mary’s Academy program. Denver East has a new coach in Callie McRitchie and a lot of new faces, making another deep playoff run difficult to predict.

Top players: Ali Abramovitz, Colorado Academy, Sr.; Kappner Clark, St. Mary’s Academy, Sr.; Lauren Davis, St. Mary’s Academy, Sr.; Kaiti Delaney, Kent Denver, Sr.; Helen Gaffigan, Denver East, So.; Megan McGinnis, Colorado Academy, So.; Lauren Napheys, Denver East, Sr.; Annie Scott, St. Mary’s Academy, Jr.; Kara Secora, Kent Denver, Sr.; Lexi Sigler, Denver East, Sr.; Annie Stookesberry, Kent Denver, Sr.; Alyssa Vigil, Kent Denver, Jr.

Southern

Favorite: Air Academy

Contenders: Cheyenne Mountain, Liberty

Outlook: Air Academy is the heavy favorite here, and an unexpected first-round playoff exit last season is more than enough motivation for them to power to a league title. Liberty twins Alex and Tiffany Meade are still hoping to give the program its first playoff berth, and things look good this season. Almost the entire starting lineup is back. Cheyenne Mountain should battle for second place, while Palmer will look to capitalize on a surprise winning season in 2007.

Top players: Alex Beefus, Air Academy, Jr.; Natalie Belva, Liberty, Sr.; Kristen Crowley, Rampart, Sr.; Hillary Fuller, Rampart, Sr.; McKenna Hall, Palmer, Sr.; Bridget Heidmous, Rampart, Sr.; Alex Mead, Liberty, Sr.; Tiffany Mead, Liberty, Sr.; Kayleigh Powers, Cheyenne Mountain, Sr.; Kelly Stevens, Pine Creek, Jr.

STEALTH & MAMMOTH FIGHT FOR FIRST-PLACE

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First-place Colorado hosts second-place San Jose on Saturday

The San Jose Stealth and Colorado Mammoth will faceoff at Pepsi Center on Saturday for the second of three meetings this season.
With both teams heading in opposite directions the last two games, the San Jose Stealth (4-3) travel to Denver to meet the Colorado Mammoth (5-2) in a 9:00 PM EST battle between the top two teams in the West Division. The game will air on tape delay on Altitude (644 DIRECTV 644/Dish Network 410) and CSN West (DIRECTV 656/Dish 409) at Midnight ET.

After losing to Colorado, 11-6, on Jan. 26, San Jose has won three of its last four games, including two straight victories over Chicago, 17-11, and Edmonton, 11-8. The lack of offensive in their last match up against Colorado is something that Stealth Head Coach Walt Christianson is keeping in mind for Saturday’s game.

“We’re going to come out a little bit different,” said Christianson. “We’re going to try some different things to get to the net.”

Unlike their West Division foe, Colorado has lost two straight games to Philadelphia, 15-13, and Calgary, 12-9, after starting the season a perfect 5-0. Colorado currently sits one game ahead of San Jose for first place in the West Division.

“We’re on a two game losing streak and we want to stop that,” said Mammoth Head Coach Bob McMahon. “(This) is a game for first place.”

Despite Colorado’s recent struggles, Christianson isn’t overlooking the great defense and goaltending that Colorado brings to the table.

“It’s obviously going to be a tough match up for us,” said Christianson. “Colorado has a very good team.”

San Jose must also prepare to face forward Dan Carey, who leads the Mammoth with 17 goals in seven games.

“I always realized he was a good player,” said McMahon. “I just didn’t realize how good he was.”