After opening its season with a disappointing loss to Dove Creek, the Dolores High School volleyball team registered impressive victories over Monument Valley and Newcomb.
Bears fall to Dove Creek
Opening last week at home against Dove Creek on Sept. 4, Dolores struggled to find a rhythm, falling 25-20, 12-25, 25-23, 25-18.
Opening the match's first in style, the Bears pulled ahead 3-1 after a Dove Creek serving error, a pretty tip by Sierra Schwartz and a hard kill by Cameron Elder.
Over the course of the next several points, Dolores struggled however, eventually falling behind 11-6 before clawing their way back to tie the set 15-15.
Dove Creek closed well however, eventually winning the first set after a strong kill by Ana Lee.
Kicking off the second set with renewed energy, the Bears played well early before using an 8-0 run to pull ahead 19-10.
Dolores went on to close out the set on an ace by Schwartz, a kill by Taylor Elder, a kill by Josie Majors and another ace by Schwartz.
During a hotly contested fourth set, Dolores played well at times, but in the end, was unable to pull out the victory, falling 25-23.
Refusing to go down easy, the Bears put together several solid points in the fourth set, fighting to a 17-17 tie before dropping eight of set's final nine points.
Statistical leaders for the Bears in the loss included Taylor Elder with 15 kills, Josie Majors with 21 digs and Larissa Umberger with 23 assists.
Bears defeat Monument Valley
Playing their second match of the week at home on Sept. 5, the Bears won a thriller over Monument Valley, 25-13, 21-25, 18-25, 25-21, 15-12.
Keying the Bears victory was the outstanding play of Courtney Balckmer, who registered 18 kills and 17 digs. Also playing well for Dolores was Taylor Elder, who had 10 digs and five blocked shots. Larissa Umberger led Dolores in assists with 31.
Bears dominate Newcomb
Playing on the road for the first time this season on Sept. 9, the Bears came through with their most convincing win of the season, defeating Newcomb 25-21, 25-13, 25-11.
With the victory, Dolores improved to 2-1 on the year. The Bears will play their next game on Sept. 16 when they travel to Mancos to take on the Bluejays at 5:30 p.m.