Dolores High School volleyball coach Gina Hollen wanted to put together a tough nonconference schedule for her young team.
She certainly did.
After opening up at 3A powerhouse Bayfield, Dolores played host to Utahs Monticello (JV) last Saturday, and then welcomed the defending Utah state 2A champion San Juan Lady Broncos of Blanding Tuesday night.
The Lady Bears displayed heart and grit diving for digs all over the court to try and keep pace. But San Juan was too strong. DHS fell in straight sets, 3-0 (14-25, 14-25, 12-25).
We controlled the ball a lot better tonight than we have in our past two games, Hollen said. Im happy with the way we played. Blandings tough. But weve shown weve got heart.
The Lady Broncos galloped quick to big leads in each set behind senior middle blocker Teal Palmer, and junior outside hitters Samantha Giddings and Brooke Lyman.
DHS (1-3) juniors Cydney McHenry (outside hitter) and Mindy McCracken (middle hitter) grinded out digs inches from the floor to keep possessions alive. Heritage (Littleton) High School senior transfer outside hitter Jesse McEachern earned big blocks and kills in the match. She has nicely fit in with her new team.
The first scrimmage we played, I thought we werent going go to be very good, McEachern said. We gel together. We play together as a team really, really well. I thought we played pretty good today. Even though we got beat.
Hollen tweaked her lineup Tuesday to be able to go up against the taller, more athletic Lady Broncos.
I switched up setters and some of my front row players, so I got a little more height in the front row. Well see how that works out for me, she said.
For San Juan, its interstate trip was all business.
We play for goals. We set goals for these girls, so they can stay on top of a team, if we can, Lady Broncos coach Cassy Moon said. The goal is usually to try to maintain a 2-1 ratio. If we can win two points to the other teams one, its a pretty safe bet that well win. From the very start, we have a goal of playing with a team and getting on top of them as quick as we can.
It doesnt get any easier for Dolores, as it travels to 3A Pagosa Springs to conclude nonleague play on Friday at around 6 p.m.
Reach Bobby Abplanalp at bobbya@cortezjouranl.com.