DOVE CREEK – For a large group of Dove Creek seniors, getting back to the state tournament for the fourth straight year was goal number one from the earliest days of summer camps.
First things first for the ‘Dogs, they needed to take care of their regional assignment, so it was only fitting that they would make their first step back to state against Primero. Named accordingly as the first mining town founded in the Spanish Peaks region west of Trinidad, the visiting Bulldogs had their own aspirations of state-bound glory, but Dove Creek dashed them almost as soon as Primero stepped off the bus.
Dove Creek pounced on the visiting Bulldogs from the opening serve, cruising to a 25-12 win in the opening set, before solidifying their dominance with 25-15 and 25-8 sets to claim the sweep.
It’s a step toward the Denver Coliseum that a collection of upperclassmen will relish, considering several of them will be seeing action at state for the first time. Senior Ralynn Hickman leads the way, while sisters Taylor and Hannah Barry both enjoyed state experience in the Utah high school finals, but will make their first trip to the Denver Coliseum.
The ‘Dogs look to continue their success in the 1A tournament, where they advanced to the semifinal round last year. Juniors Hadley Hatfield and Allex Williams along with senior Jenessa Barragan saw pivotal court action as part of that run as the Bulldogs hope that their experience serves them well among the 12-team field.
Steadily within the top 10 in the CHSAA Seeding and Selection Index rankings all season, Dove Creek (23-1) earned their right to host another regional round, courtesy of their perfect record in San Juan Basin League play and a 20-match winning streak. Much like in many of their matches in that run, Dove Creek used dominance at the net against Primero (20-4) for first-year head coach Erin Barry.
Dove Creek earned the No. 7 seed in the 1A bracket, and will open their state run on Thursday, Nov. 14, when they face No. 10 seed Cheraw. If the ‘Dogs win, they would take on No. 2 seed Idalia later on Thursday evening. Action continues through the weekend at the Denver Coliseum with the crowning of a state champion on Saturday afternoon.
