MANCOS – The excitement reverberates around the Mancos Performing Arts Center with each resounding spike.
Mancos volleyball practices generate an energy that fit a program that has risen the ranks to be among Class 2A’s top teams in recent years.
Now, a new group of leaders and a new head coach in former assistant Brianna Wyatt are ready to make their own stamp on the program.
Three returning members of the regular rotation are back, with junior Brooke Jabour, and sophomores Aubree Wyatt and Bailey Beh coming off last year’s state tournament run.
“Brooke brings such a high energy level, and Bailey and Aubree also helped lead the charge with their work ethic in the offseason,” Wyatt said.
The Jays enjoyed a solid offseason, with opportunities through camps and video breakdowns of practices to help the players learn their roles and build confidence ahead of the 2024 campaign.
“We’re looking forward to getting the most out of each of our players, and we’re excited to see that the girls are bringing high energy and celebrating each effort out on the court” said Wyatt, who will see plenty of rising junior varsity players stepping into prominent roles this fall.
The team’s lone senior, Piper Franks, joins the back line as a defensive specialist. Setter Lexi Lyons and middle blocker Destiny Kramer will be part of a large junior class forming the majority of the roster.
Mancos opened the season at home Friday and Saturday with matches against Buena Vista and Salida, respectively. Mancos will also host area rival Dove Creek on Tuesday.
The Jays will travel to West Grand for a tournament Aug. 30-31 before league play against Ignacio (Sept. 3), Norwood (Sept. 5), Ouray (Sept. 7) and Dolores (Sept. 12). Mancos will play six of its nine October matches at home, including Senior Day on Oct. 26 against Ridgway, before regional play opens in early November. The state tournament is slated for Nov. 14-16 at the Denver Coliseum.
“It’s a young team, so we know we’re still making sure that we continue to take care of fundamentals,” Wyatt said. “And the girls keep encouraging each other – and just like with every play in each practice, we’re only wanting to focus on one moment at a time.”
