COLORADO SPRINGS — Merino and Fleming have served as some of the best volleyball teams in Class 1A Colorado. On Saturday, they proved it again when the two met up again in the state title match at the Broadmoor World Arena, just months after the Rams took home the state title during Season C in the spring.

That go-round, the Rams won in a battle of five sets. This time, it only took them four tries to take out the Wildcats and earn a little more hardware for their trophy case.

"It's so crazy. I can't believe we were just here. I'm just so happy and thankful to play with my teammates. I love this group so much," senior libero Amanda Thorpe said. "Every year that I've played, I've just felt like a sister with all of my teammates. It's just crazy how connected we are and how much love we have for each other."

The Rams and Wildcats began their familiar song and dance with a hard-fought battle in a first set that ended with a score of 25-21. Merino carried that momentum into a dominant second set, one in which the Rams wouldn't let the Wildcats gain any ground. Merino won that one, 25-9.

Fleming, however, wasn't ready to turn over that easily.

The Wildcats fought back to earn at least one set against the Rams, and their hard work paid off when they claimed the third frame with a 25-18 decision. Merino, however, was ready to go home after a long three days at the tournament. The Rams put the Wildcats away, once and for all, in the fourth set with a 25-18 final to secure their second consecutive state championship.

Thorpe's solid serving down the stretch took it home for the Rams.

"It's amazing," head coach Christin Sutter said. "Fleming's always a tough opponent, so you look forward to this and just want to enjoy the ride. It has been a ton of fun, so I just feel very blessed."