MERINO - The Merino High School volleyball team defeated De Beque, 25-12, 25-8, 25-14 (3-0), on Saturday to advance to the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) state volleyball tournament, where they will compete for their fifth consecutive Class 1A state title.

Junior Jaylyn Lynch led the Rams’ attack with 14 kills, hitting at an impressive .609 efficiency. Kya Piel contributed 10 kills, and Jadelynn Powell added 8. On the serving line, Piel delivered 6 aces, while Brooklyn Sutter’s perfect serving percentage.

With the victory, Merino enters the state tournament pursuing another title at the Denver Coliseum next week.

Sterling will join the Rams in the Class 3A tournament after defeating St. Mary's Academy, 25-21, 25-9, 25-21 (3-0), on Saturday. 

Sedgwick County, who won state titles in 2021 and 2022, and were runner-up in 2023, will be in the Class 2A state tournament after a 3-0 (25-8, 25-9, 25-21) victory over Mancos.

Fleming defeated Lone Star, 25-15, 25-12, 25-10 (3-0), to qualify for the state tournament later this week.