Facing off against Telluride High School on Aug. 29, things did not start well for the Dolores High School volleyball team.
Thanks to some defensive adjustments and consistent encouragement from head coach Gina Holland, however, the Lady Bears maintained their composure and came from behind to win, 18-25, 25-21, 25-20, 25-10. Although statistics were not available at the time of publication, Holland said that sophomore outside hitter Jordan Elder put forth a standout performance offensively, while junior middle back Kortni Spurlock carried the team’s defense.
Asked about the team’s slow start, Holland said that nervousness played a factor, adding that defensive adjustments made a significant difference for the Lady Bears during the final three sets.
“It took us a little while to find our groove,” the Dolores coach said. “The girls were pretty nervous since it was their first league game, but they settled down. It was nice to get the win.”
Now 3-1 on the season, Lady Bears’ players will turn their attention to the team’s home opener, which will take place on Sept. 7 against Ridgway. Since Dolores does not have a C team this season, the junior varsity game will begin at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity game, which will begin about 6:15 p.m.
Asked what her team will focus on leading up to its home opener, Holland mentioned consistency on the defensive end before noting that the Lady Bears will need to control the pace of the game.
“We need to continue to focus on controlling our passing,” Holland said. “When we pass the ball accurately, we are able to set up our offense and dictate the pace of the match.”