The Bulldogs volleyball program seems to have recipe for success memorized. They just pass it down from one generation to the next.
While graduation claimed a handful of key players from the squad that made the 2022 1A state tournament – the program’s second straight trip – a number of returning starters, coupled with plenty of rising talent, look to have the Bulldogs cooking up another run at a league title and state appearance.
Twenty-plus win seasons have become a regularity for the ‘Dogs, as have been San Juan Basin League title banners, but there will be a new chemistry of athletes on the floor for head coach Lacey Murphy this fall.
The three returning starters – senior sisters Kalie and Kylie Gatlin along with junior Ralynn Hickman – guided a powerful attack that led the Bulldogs to an unbeaten regular season in 2022. Kalie Gatlin’s setting prowess presented plenty of attacking opportunities for her sister and Hickman, who led the team in kills a season ago.
Over the summer months, the Bulldogs started to find their new rhythm with plenty of new options in the mix for varsity playing time, including senior Halee Beanland, along with juniors Jenessa Barragan, Aspen Nye and Taryn Hickman, in addition to several sophomores ready to step onto the stage.
“We had a busy summer and a couple of really good camps,” said Murphy of her team’s preparation, “and it allowed us to work through some of the growing pains of everyone learning how to play next to a new person.”
Personnel adjustments also have instigated schematic changes for Murphy’s group heading into their season opening tournament on Aug. 18-19. “There have been some position changes that we’ve put into action, and they seem like they’re going to work well.”
The Bulldogs bring back a familiar face to the coaching staff, as former head coach Veronica Spigner joins Murphy’s coaching staff this season. “We’re excited to have her on board with all of the knowledge and experience she brings to the table,” said Murphy.
As has been the case over the past few years, the Bulldogs have stocked their nonleague schedule with plenty of challenging foes to get the Bulldogs ready for the rigors of postseason play. After opening the season in Rangely for a trio of matches, the Bulldogs travel to Mancos on Tuesday, Aug. 22 for an early-season SJBL showdown against a Bluejay squad that will also be vying for a league title.
Dove Creek’s home opener pits them against Telluride on Saturday, Aug. 26, before a trip to Alamosa to take on both Pueblo Central and the host Mean Moose on the following Saturday. The ‘Dogs also take on Montezuma-Cortez on Oct. 19, before their final regular season matches at home against Ignacio and Ridgway. Regional play takes place on Nov. 4, with Dove Creek seeking a third straight trip to state – which takes place Nov. 9-11 at the Denver Coliseum.
