For the Montezuma-Cortez and Dolores high school volleyball teams, a trip to Colorado’s State Volleyball Championships at the Denver Coliseum was within reach.
Unfortunately for both teams, a trip to Denver was not to be as both teams finished second in their regional tournaments.
For M-CHS, the Class 3A Region 1 Tournament on Nov. 2 began on a high note as the Lady Panthers dominated Lake County throughout a 25-4, 25-14, 25-7 victory that ranked among M-CHS’ most dominant of the season.
Avery Wright was outstanding as the freshman hammered down 13 kills and 3 aces. Sophomore Amber Wood led M-CHS with eight digs, and sophomore Leigha Comisky came through with a team-best 25 assists.
Following its win over Lake County, M-CHS faced off against Class 3A powerhouse Lutheran High School with a berth in the state tournament on the line and lost, 25-19, 25-18, 25-14.
Leading the way offensively for M-CHS was sophomore Devon McHenry, who registered a team-best nine kills on 24 attempts. Senior Aryelle Wright was credited with three aces and a team-high seven digs.
With its loss to Lutheran, the Lady Panthers finished their most successful season in several years with a 16-6 record overall. With several underclassmen on this year’s roster, look for M-CHS to emerge as a force at the Class 3A level next season.
Hoping to qualify for the Class 2A State Tournament for the second consecutive season, Dolores opened the Class 2A Region 6 Tournament on Nov. 3 with a resounding 25-13, 25-11, 25-14 victory over Rocky Ford.
The Lady Bears followed up that win with a disappointing loss to Del Norte by a score of 25-21, 25-18, 25-18 loss in the region’s championship match. Statistics for both of Dolores’ regional matches were not available as of press time.
With its loss to Del Norte, the Lady Bears concluded their season with an 18-4 record overall and an 11-1 record in the San Juan Basin League.
Although Dolores will lose standout seniors Tawnee Benavidez, Abby Jones, Tatum Majors, Cameron Schafer, Addie Jones and Kortni Spurlock off of this year’s roster, junior superstar Jordan Elder will return to the court next season to lead what figures to once again be a successful and competitive team.
