FORT COLLINS — The reaction was much better a year later.
After experiencing heartbreak last year watching the NCAA Tournament selection show, Colorado State’s ninth-ranked volleyball team entered Sunday’s announcement with hope.
For a few moments, the Rams felt crushed, especially when Kansas was announced as the No. 16 seed. A few moments later, long faces seated at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop switched to elation when the Rams (28-2) were called as the No. 15 seed, hosting an all-Colorado sub-regional Friday and Saturday at Moby Arena.
The Rams will face Denver in the second match Friday (6:30 p.m.), following the Colorado-Northern Colorado match at (4:30 p.m.). Saturday’s final between the two winners will take place at 4:30 p.m.
“It’s such a blessing that we get to host at home,” senior outside hitter Marlee Reynolds said. “It’s awesome. When I saw that Kansas was 16, it kind of got me down a little bit. I mean, it’s awesome we’re in the tournament no matter what. Seeing our names pop up, the feeling is indescribable, and I’m just so thankful to have another chance to play in Moby in front of all of these awesome people.”
When CSU coach Tom Hilbert saw both DU (26-6) and UNC (22-9) earn berths, he became hopeful for the draw as it turned out, knowing Colorado (18-12) would also be in the draw. The only difference is he felt the Rams would play UNC first after the Pioneers swept the Bears on Saturday.
“I felt pretty confident,” Hilbert said about hosting, noting he and DU coach Jesse Mahoney, a former assistant, had texted earlier in the day thinking the sub-regional was possible. “They beat Northern Colorado easily, so it surprised me they seeded it the way they did. What it shows you is they were setting the bracket up before Saturday’s matches and using RPI.”
This is the first time since 2009 the Rams have hosted a sub-regional, and Hilbert said his school knows how to run a tournament. The fact that all the schools are within an hour of campus, he feels the arena will have an electric atmosphere, and so do his players.
“I think it’s going to be packed, and it’s going to be awesome,” Reynolds said. “It’s going to be a great atmosphere to play in and be around. It’s going to be really cool to have the opportunity to be a part of that.”
CSU will begin preparation on Monday, first for Denver, which he said is a team that will require the Rams’ full attention. The Pioneers are a team entering the tournament on a roll, winners of six straight matches.
CSU has beaten both DU and UNC this season, but topped a DU team without it’s top player, Erica Denny, at the time. The Rams and Buffs have not played since 2010. The fact the Centennial State is represented in full force says a lot to Hilbert.
“It’s an all-Colorado deal, which I think is a great testament to how good volleyball is getting in this state,” Hilbert said. “We’re going to sell a lot of tickets. I think it’s going to be great. I’m excited to play it, and I think it’s going to be a great event.”
Season ticket holders and Ram Club members were sent an email Sunday night with ticket information and given the first chance at reserved seating. If any reserved seating remains, those spots will be made available to the general public. An all-session reserved seat — good for all three matches — will cost $20; general admission for all sessions is $15, as are single-match tickets that go on sale an hour before each match. Student tickets are $5 per match.
Mike Brohard: 970-635-3633, mbrohard@reporter-herald.com and twitter.com/mbrohard
