For the Mancos High School volleyball team, the 2014 season couldn't have gotten off to a better start.

Opening their year at home against Durango High School's junior varsity team on Sept. 2, the Bluejays battled for five sets in route to a 25-14, 23-25, 25-15, 13-25, 15-10 victory.

According to Mancos head coach Brittney Lang, the Bluejays ability to play with energy proved to be the difference in the grueling match.

"I think that our nerves were used positively," said Lang. "Being able to take those butterflies in the stomach and convert them into energy and teamwork was key."

Statistical leaders for the Bluejays in the match included senior Courtney Colyer, who had 15 kills, and junior Taryn Gordanier, who had 10 kills.

Jessica Willburn led the Bluejays in digs with 26, while Jessica Gutierrez led the team in assists with 34.

"Jessica Gutierrez, her consistency has been outstanding," said Lang. "She has been working every day after practice at being consistent with her sets."

Three days after beating the Durango JV, the Bluejays played at home for the first time this season and defeated Newcomb 25-15, 25-21, 25-10.

According to Lang, several Bluejays contributed to the victory, including Gordanier, who had several hard kills.

"(Gordanier) was hitting more kills than errors," said Lang. "We're really trying to work on balance and figure out how we can have fewer errors and more points earned."

Thanks to their victory over Newcomb, the Bluejays improved to 2-0 on the season. After playing Telluride at home on Sept. 9, Mancos will play at home against Telluride on Sept. 9 before traveling to face Ignacio on Sept. 11.