Niwot boys volleyball wins first match against Pomona

Niwot High School's boys volleyball team kicked off its season with a dominating 3-0 victory over Pomona High School Tuesday March 11 at home. Players such as Senior, Malachi Nehls, led the Cougars with seven kills over two sets, while senior, Ethan Husk, contributed six kills, across three sets. Senior Jenu Ngialah, and sophomore, Own Raabe, recorded five kills, with Raabe reaching a .571 hitting percentage. Overall, Niwot ended with 35 total kills, and a .183 hitting percentage. The Cougars were unstoppable on the court, taking all three sets and finishing at 25-10, 25-17, 25-16.

Coach John Miller is enthusiastic about the team's performance and start to the season after reflecting on the continued growth and improvement of his players. "Building on the success from last year, where we qualified for Regionals, is key to starting this season strong," said Miller. "The additional year of experience will help us compete at a high level. Our more challenging regular-season schedule will allow us to develop and grow, preparing us for the postseason."

Before the match, and during practices, Miller noted the team's continued unity, saying they have been "coming together well and will continue to grow as the season progresses."

Thursday's home meet against Cherry Creek proved to be a tougher challenge for the Cougars. Despite strong performances in the first and fourth sets, Niwot fell short, losing 3-2. The Cougars dropped the first and third sets 25-23 and 25-22, but fought back to win the second and fourth sets 25-17 and 25-10. In the end, Cherry Creek won the match, taking the final set 23-21 against Niwot.

The Cougars next match will be on March 27 where they will face Fossil Ridge High School at 6:30 p.m. at home.