DOVE CREEK – It’s business as usual for the Dove Creek Bulldog volleyball squad – a team that just keeps its powerful tradition rolling.
A new coach in Erin Barry and almost completely revamped starting rotation are no problem for the Bulldogs, who swept Monticello on Thursday.
Dove Creek improved its record to 6-1, having only dropped three sets total in its first seven matches.
While the Bulldogs already have one league win under their belts, SJBL action truly gets rolling with four straight league matches, starting Sept. 17 at Dolores (2-5, 1-0). Dove Creek will then host Mancos (7-3, 3-0) on Sept. 24. Those two matches could go a long way in determining which squad wins the league championship.
Dove Creek benefits from a rotation that includes seven seniors, but that experience on paper may be a bit misleading. Outside of the returning regulars with the team’s leading hitter Ralynn Hickman and opposite hitter Jenessa Barragan, the Class of 2025 is learning its roles within this new squad with each passing match.
Seniors Taylor and Hannah Barry joined the fold and have made immediate impacts. Taylor is complementing Hickman as one of the top attackers on the team, while Hannah has filled the setter role.
Classmates Aspen Nye and Jessica Alexander have fit into the back line, helping Dove Creek feed its front line, an area where the Bulldogs have been very efficient in attack.
Juniors Allex Williams and Hadley Hatfield – both major contributors on last year’s state semifinal team – are also back for Barry’s team.
