Cougars aim for title, revenge

Twenty-one and one.

The "21" is a constant reminder that Coronado has had a remarkable year, that entering the state volleyball tournament, the Cougars just might be the team to beat.

The "1" is a constant reminder for Coronado that the Cougars are not perfect.

That an error here and an error there can spoil the best laid plans.

That on the volleyball court, two points might as well be an ocean.

And it is a constant reminder about second chances.

Sunrise Region champion Coronado, 21-1 and on a 21-match winning streak, will have to get through Centennial (19-4) at 7 p.m. today at Silverado High for even a shot at the "1" -- Sunset Region champion Palo Verde, which plays Las Vegas (17-5) today at 5 p.m.

For the Cougars, who defeated the Wildcats in the regional final on Friday, 25-21, 27-25, 21-25, 25-21, a possible rematch is chance for redemption.

For the Panthers (21-2), it is a chance to prove that its first win of the season was no fluke.

"Once that loss happened, it brought us back down to earth," Coronado coach Brock Mitchell said. "During the last week, I've heard the kids say that we wouldn't be where we are now without that loss. We know that one loss was a big loss."

Added Palo Verde coach Phil Clarke, whose team defeated Centennial in the Sunset Region finals 23-25, 25-20, 25-27, 25-12, 16-14: "It definitely wasn't any old win for us. We weren't getting a lot of talk in our division; to go in there and get that first one, I think surprised a lot of people and reassured our guys."

In the epic March 7th battle, Palo Verde defeated the Cougars 27-25, 25-27, 25-23, 25-27, 15-13 -- literally as close as a volleyball match can be.

Mitchell still stews over his team's 54 errors, a statistic he considers made the difference.

He also knows that his team can ill afford to suffer the same fate against the Bulldogs today.

"At this point, if anybody overlooks anyone else, they'll definitely be going home," Mitchell said. "We know (Centennial is) good; they have a very, very good coach, who's gonna have them ready. And if Palo Verde overlooks Vegas, they'll be going home, too."

Added Clarke: "The regional championship, even if you do have a slip-up, you get a second chance. Here, there are no second chances. Win or go home. There are four teams that are 0-0, and 2-0 gets you that championship. You won't be able to play an off game and get away with it."