Cowboy spikers capture crown

Thursday, May 17, 2001 | 10:42 a.m.

Six years after capturing their last Southern Zone title, the Chaparral Cowboys are back on top in boys volleyball.

The host Cowboys captured the 2001 NIAA/U.S. Bank 4A State Volleyball championship Wednesday night, defeating division rival Basic 15-7, 15-5, 16-14.

Andy Wayerski dished out 42 assists, Sindre Storvoll had 14 kills and nine digs and David Garrard added 15 kills and eight digs for Chaparral, which won four straight Southern Zone titles from 1992-95. Durango captured the first-ever state title in the sport a year ago.

The Wolves, who dropped all four meetings with the Cowboys this season, got 26 assists from Eric Stolworthy and 12 kills and eight blocks from Shaun Muaina. Briane Payne and Ricky Lopez had nine blocks and seven digs, respectively, for the victors.

Palo Verde (374) was so good on Wednesday that the team dropped a five-over par 77, a score that would have ranked third or better, on every other team in the field. Jeremy Keller and Brandon Loska led the way for the Panthers with identical 73s, followed by Brandon Ford (75), David Parrish (76), Russ Ricciardelli (77) and Steve Crossley (77).

"I thought we'd be competitive, but I didn't think we'd be in first," Palo Verde coach Jeff Wolfram said. "But the kids think they can still play better."

Casey Nielsen held the individual lead after a first-day 70, helping the Bengals (386) stay in the hunt for the team title. Reed's Dustin Hall was one shot back at 71, followed by Keller and Loska.

Reed (400), Bishop Gorman (402), McQueen (404), Green Valley (406) and Galena (411) also remained in contention for team honors.