With a small group of fans screaming encouragement, the Dolores High School volleyball team hit the court for the Class 2A State Volleyball Tournament, Nov. 7-8.
Unfortunately for the Bears, the tournament ended with consecutive losses. Even so, players and coaches relished the experience.
"I felt like we were all having fun," said senior Taylor Elder. "I had a great time, and I hope everyone else did too."
Opening the tournament against top-ranked Yuma, Dolores lost in three games, 25-18, 25-9, 25-14.
According to Dolores head coach Gina Hollen, the Bears played well throughout the early portions of the match.
"We played well in the first game," said Hollen. "Then we kind of fell apart on our passes and in-between balls. I think we were nervous."
"The first game we were really close," said Courtney Blackmer. "Then, I don't know what happened. (Yuma) is a good team, and they have some strong hitters."
Playing its second game against Colorado Springs School on Saturday, Nov. 8, Dolores lost 27-25, 25-13. Since both teams lost and neither team had a chance to advance, the match lasted only two games.
In the first game, Dolores pulled ahead 3-0 after a kill by Beth Brown, an ace by Larissa Umberger and an unforced error by Colorado Springs.
Later in the game, Dolores pulled ahead 17-11 after a hard spike down the line by Blackmer.
Colorado Springs School battled back to tie the score 24-23 lead, but a kill by Elder kept Dolores alive. An Umberger ace put Dolores ahead 25-24, but Colorado Springs School closed well, winning three of the game's final four points to take the game.
"We were all having fun and that was good because we play better when we have fun," said Elder.
In the second game, Colorado Springs School took an early lead, and Dolores never recovered.
With the loss, The Bears finished their season with an 18-8 record.
"The camaraderie and the sisterhood that the girls developed is the main thing that I'll remember," said Hollen. "They'd do anything for each other."
"I loved how we believed we could make it here, we believed in each other and we made it," added Elder. "This was the best season I could ever ask for."