Kicking the New Year off with a bang, the Dolores High School girls basketball team opened 2015 with two consecutive wins.
The team's first victory came on the road on Jan. 10 when Dolores, bolstered by 8 points and 7 steals from Larissa Umberger, defeated Telluride 53-29.
"Our goal was to hold them under 30 points and we did that," said head coach Larry Schwartz. "All 12 of the girls on the team got to play. We got a lot of good experience for the young kids."
Nicole Kibel led Dolores with 10 points, Teagan Hite had seven points and Taylor Elder had 7 points. Nine Dolores players scored in the game.
The Bears second straight victory came at home on Jan. 13 when Dolores defeated Dove Creek, 57-22. Schwartz said that his team's pressure defense overwhelmed the Bulldogs.
"Our press was just too much," said Schwartz. We came out in the first quarter and jumped on them."
Umberger led Dolores with 16 points in the victory. Kibel added 13.
"When we get in the open floor, that's when we play our best ball," said Schwartz. "(Kibel) and (Umberger) play really well together."
With their record now at 3-4 on the season, Dolores will next play at home against defending Class 1A state champion Norwood on Jan. 16. The Bears will then travel to face Ouray on Jan. 17.
"(Norwood) will be a good test," Schwartz said. "It will show us where we're at."