When it comes to high school volleyball in the Southwest, few matches generate the intensity like those between rivals Mancos and Dolores high schools.
Thus, when the Bears and the Bluejays took the court at Mancos High School’s renovated gym on Oct. 15, the energy in the building was palpable and the level of focus exhibited by players was high.
Although Mancos hung tough throughout the early portions of the match and even stole the opening set thanks to several stellar defensive plays, Dolores’ overall talent proved too much for the Bluejays to overcome, and the Bears won 25-27, 25-18, 25-14, 25-17.
Among the statistical leaders for Dolores were senior Jordan Elder, who had 21 kills, four aces and four blocks, and junior Sydney Smith, who had 10 kills, three aces and 14 digs. Erin Brown also enjoyed a solid match, as the sophomore produced 10 kills and a team-high 28 digs.
Junior Akira Edwards had 20 digs for Dolores, and sophomore Kamri Willbanks and freshman Carlie McClellan led the team in assists with 19 and 15, respectively.
Mancos was led offensively by senior Magdalena Halls, who hammered down eight kills and registered a match-best seven blocks. Senior Isis Jaime had five kills, and senior Andrea Sena had four kills for the Bluejays.
Senior Emmalee Asnicar led Mancos defensively with 14 digs and was credited with a match-best 22 assists. Junior Tia Imel had 13 digs, and senior Talissa Bahr had 11 digs for the Bluejays.
With its record now at 13-3 overall and 9-0 in the San Juan Basin League, Dolores will prepare for a road matchup against Ouray on Saturday, Oct. 19, followed by a road matchup against Ignacio on Tuesday.
Mancos, 5-10 overall and 3-6 in the SJBL, will play its next match at home against Norwood on Friday, Oct. 18.
