Last Thursday both the Fossil Ridge volleyball and soccer teams defeated the rival Fort Collins Lambkins.

Soccer kicked off the evening, as both teams were undefeated in conference play heading into their matchup. As a result, this game would decide the champion of the Front Range North League. Things started off hot, the first half both teams had goals wiped off the board due to infractions. This rivalry game was filled with plenty of physicality and force, with both teams suffering injuries to their starting goalkeepers. Fossil goalkeeper Tate Marshall was taken to a medical facility after suffering a confirmed ruptured spleen.

 A big part of the game was the team’s ability to prevent as many cards as possible. The team totaled five on the evening, including one from junior Manuel Scelfo. Fossil prevented any escalation, as no red cards were handed out.

“While I did lose my emotions with that yellow card, but for the most part we had it under control,” said Fossil junior Manuel Scelfo.

The Sabercats were able to hold off the Lambkins all game, not allowing a single goal. The team’s defense has been outstanding, only allowing one goal in the past seven games. 

Eventually Fossil’s offense broke through, as Scelfo dribbled past several Collins defenders and buried his shot into the back of the net.

“I picked the perfect spot so [the goalkeeper] wasn’t able to get to it,” Scelfo said. “Yeah, it was a great feeling.”

The Sabercats’ next game will be this Tuesday at home against Broomfield.

Moving over to volleyball, Fossil Ridge was able to dominate Fort Collins in their 3-0 sweep. 

The Sabercats made swift work of the Lambkins, outscoring their opponents by over six points a set. Fossil contributed offense from up and down the roster, notably from junior Emma Converse. 

Converse totaled 10 kills over 19 attempts along with an impressive .316 hitting percentage. The junior outside hitter is a relentless force at the net, and will let nothing stand in her path.

“Sometimes the sets aren’t where they should be, you never know what could happen,” Converse said. “But I think [the key] is to just stay in control and get the ball over the net.”

Fossil Ridge will travel to Loveland for a match Tuesday before coming home for Senior Night Thursday against Rocky Mountain.