By Sammy Blair

Perfection is a status that speaks for itself.
 
It implies practice, discipline, integrity and execution. After winning the Molten Volleyball CC Classic last weekend, the Tigers look to continue their perfect eight-match winning streak.
 
The dynamics of this powerhouse are different than in previous years. With no seniors and only four juniors, the underclassmen are playing a huge role in the team's success.
 
Sophomores Devon Lucero and Courtney Birkett, along with freshman Abbe Holtze, proved inexperience does not limit their abilities, as the trio was voted by the opposing coaches to the all-tournament team this past weekend.

According to Lucero, the team has something this year that was lacking the year before.
 
"Chemistry," she says. "We all get along really well."
 
The current CC squad has melded together, creating a "positive energy" through which the players support each other on and off the court. Lucero says the focus of each player is not on themselves but on the team as a whole. She also emphasized that they all are having a lot of fun, which is the key to a successful team.
 
Being young obviously has not hindered the Tiger's ability to win. In fact, their youth may even be a strength.
 
"We have a lot of potential with a really young team," says Birkett. "The coaches have a lot of confidence in us, which makes us work hard. They want us to exceed their expectations."
 
In her first collegiate season, Holtze has become quite aware of these expectations playing in the starting lineup. However, she does not even consider the pressure. Since summer ball started, the only thing she can remember is an immense amount of encouragement and support for the freshman from the coaching staff and team as a whole.
 
No. 14-ranked Colorado College continues its fight to the top this weekend at the ACM Tournament in Decorah, Iowa, with the first four of an 11-match road stretch. The Tigers won't be back on their home court until the Molten Spike it up Classic on Oct. 4 and 5. When they return, they hope to have their perfect record intact.
 
Holtze believes the team can keep its winning streak going as long as "we never let up at any point and play to our highest potential."
 
When Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference divisional matches begin on Sept. 20, CC will face Austin College, one of two league teams it lost to last season.
 
In preparation for divisional matches, as well as the rest of the season, the team has been working on maintaining consistent energy and execution throughout each game.
 
"We've been practicing not just a good finish, but stronger starts," says Lucero. "We are more comfortable this year."
 
The team is moving forward with their eyes set on the big prize – a national championship.
 
"I have confidence in my teammates and myself." Birkett said. "We all are there for each other. We have confidence in our teammates on the court, and know someone will back us up if we make a mistake."
 
That dependence and trust in one another certainly has been obvious in the fluidity and teamwork displayed during eight matches so far.