One of three undefeated Class 1A teams left in Colorado, the Dove Creek Bulldogs volleyball team continues to fly through opponents with relative ease.
VICTORY OVER MANCOS
Kicking off last weekend’s play on the road against Mancos on Friday, Oct. 4, the Bulldogs got off to a slow start before winning in straight sets, 25-21, 25-12, 25-19.
Coming out sluggish to begin the first set, the Bulldogs fell behind 8-4 following an ace by Bluejays senior Brandi Bundy.
Although the Bulldogs would battle back to tie the set 12-12 following a pretty spike down the middle by Jessica Guynes, the Bluejays continued to dictate play, taking a 20-17 lead on an ace by Bluejays junior Jessica Wilburn.
The Bulldogs would quickly regain control however, and following a string of points, secure the first set 25-21 on a spike by Shelbie Knuckles.
“We just couldn’t get a rhythm going,” said Bulldogs head coach Scott Knuckles of his team’s play in the first set. “Everything that Mancos hit over was right on the line or rolled down the net and dropped in.”
Hoping to gain control in the second set, the Bulldogs came out on fire, jumping out to a 21-9 lead on a kill by Shelbie Knuckles.
Although the Bluejays attempted to battle back, the Bulldogs secured the set, 25-12, following a hitting error by Bluejays’ freshman Taryn Gordanier.
“We finally got our passes, and once we got our passes, we were able to get good quick sets and quick kills before any of the (Bluejays’) blockers got there,” said Scott Knuckles, about his team’s success in the second set.
Looking to close things out in the third set, the Bulldogs jumped out to a 9-2 lead following a pretty kill by Madison Young and eventually secured the set 25-19 on a spike by Shelbie Knuckles.
“Our teamwork and confidence helps our team pick things up when we’re down,” said Bulldogs senior Kristin Knuckles. “(Tonight’s match) says a lot about our team.”
Leading the way for the Bulldogs against the Bluejays were Shelbie Knuckles with 22 kills and 16 digs, Kristin Knuckles with 16 digs and Madison Young with 27 assists.
WIN VERSUS MONUMENT VALLEY
Returning home against Monument Valley (Utah) on Saturday, Oct. 6, the Bulldogs improved their season record to 16-0 with a 25-12, 25-9, 25-11 victory.
Shelbie Knuckles led the team in kills with 13, Ana Lee led the team in aces with 6, Jennifer Fury led the team in digs with 8 and Madison Young led the team in assists with 39.
Hoping to keep their unblemished record intact, the Bulldogs will next face off against the Nucla Mustangs on Friday, Oct. 11.
imaclaren@cortezjournal.com