Steamboat Springs — The Soroco High School volleyball team opened its season Friday at the Gilpin Invitational, taking second, despite a couple of key injuries.

The Rams opened the tournament with a 25-21, 25-9 sweep of Nederland. With defensive specialists Cassie Constine and Charlee Veilleux both suffering injuries this week, freshman Grace Olinger was asked to step up and serve as the team’s libero.

“Grace accepted the challenge and did an outstanding job as an unseasoned freshman,” Soroco coach Jeannie Jo Logan wrote in an email. “Each girl had some great contributions (Friday) and played well together, considering they haven’t had a smooth transition since Cassie and Charlee have been out.”

The second match was a 25-22, 25-20 win over Shining Mountain. Logan noted the Rams did a good job of negating “the biggest hitter we have seen in the season so far.”

Soroco lost to host Gilpin in the championship match. The Rams rallied from eight down in the first set to win 25-22, but struggled in a 25-16 loss in the second set. The teams played a close third set, Gilpin escaping with a 15-13 win.

“I told the girls we just got beat in that last game,” Logan wrote. “They all tried clear through the last point, and that is what makes a great team.”

Lucy Carlson and Kali Constine were both voted to the all-tournament team.

Soroco will next play at Hayden High School on Friday.

Also of note, the Soroco junior varsity volleyball team won the JV portion of the Gilpin Invitational, winning 2-1 over Nederland, Shining Mountain, and Gilpin in the championship.