Two programs enter the regional round of their classification’s postseason tournament with one goal in mind – a spot in the state championship bracket over the weekend of Nov. 10-12 at the Denver Coliseum.
Dove Creek and Mancos enjoyed tremendous regular seasons, finishing first and second place in the 2A/1A San Juan Basin League respectively, and now both programs look forward to the challenges ahead.
The ‘Dogs (23-0) enter the postseason as one of three teams in the state to go unbeaten – regardless of classification – during the regular season. 5A Valor Christian (23-0) and 3A Lamar (23-0) both enter their classification’s bracket as the No. 1 overall seed. Dove Creek, meanwhile, picked up the No. 8 seed in the 1A classification, which gives the Bulldogs the right to host their regional pod this upcoming Saturday, Nov. 5.
Head coach Lacey Murphy’s team will kick off regional play at 9 a.m. against No. 17 Flatirons Academy (16-7) – a state qualifier from a season ago. The Bison lean on a trio of prolific hitters, seniors Kenlee Durrill and Katelynn Coulter, along with freshman Brylin Gomer to jump-start the offense.
Shortly after the conclusion of their opening match, Dove Creek will watch Flatirons Academy take on No. 9 La Veta. The Redhawks (22-1) also posted a strong regular season, with wins over Sanford and Del Norte on their resume.
In 2019, the freshman campaign for the DC seniors, La Veta visited Dove Creek in the regional final, and kept the ‘Dogs from the state tournament. Redhawk senior Kendyl Eddleman owns a ridiculous .373 hitting percentage, and serves as the focal point of the La Veta offense.
Dove Creek, meanwhile, has taken every challenge in stride this season, using a balanced attack and tremendous athleticism to wear down opponents. Junior Kylie Gatlin leads the team in kills, and senior Lexi Gray owns the middle of the net, both on offense and defense.
Senior Trista Barnett and sophomore Ralynn Hickman rank among the most powerful outside hitters in the classification, and junior Kalie Gatlin has helped the Bulldogs utilize all of their strengths with her pinpoint sets.
Dove Creek and La Veta will face off about 12:30 p.m., or half an hour after the conclusion of La Veta vs. Flatirons Academy.
For the 1A state tournament, the regional winners automatically qualify, along with four wild-card teams that ranked highest in the CHSAA Seeding Index that will fill out the 12-team field at state.
Mancos landed their second straight regional appearance, earning the No. 22 seed into the Region 3 tournament hosted by Meeker. The Jays (17-6) collected their first winning season since 2014 thanks to impressive play all season long. A combination of experience and youth propelled the Jays to a strong finish, winning eight of their final nine matches to storm into the postseason.
Junior Teya Yeomans leads the way, nearing 400 kills on the season, while freshman Claire Goodwin and Aysia Mathews have fit nicely into head coach Brianna Yeomans-Allison’s system. The Bluejays will enter their matchup against No. 34 Heritage Christian (13-10) with plenty of confidence.
The two teams will meet after the host Cowgirls and the Eagles open up the regional at 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4.
Meeker (21-2) and Mancos will cap off the tournament with a possible state spot on the line as the final match of the evening. Cowgirl senior Emma Luce ranks among 2A classification leaders with nearly 500 kills, and will serve as the focal point for the Meeker offense.
The winner of each of the twelve regional sites in the 2A tournament will advance to the Denver Coliseum for a weekend full of fantastic volleyball from Nov. 10-12, with all five classifications crowning a state champion on Saturday, Nov. 12.
