DOLORES – For Dolores volleyball, the 2025 season has been both familiar and brand-new.
It’s a paradox junior Kendall Chavez embraces every time she steps onto the DHS Fieldhouse floor. While many of the same faces from her freshman and sophomore seasons remain on the Bears roster, sweeping changes to the coaching staff and varsity rotation have sparked a volleyball renaissance.
“There’s been some adjustments, but for a while I was doing both club and high school practices – and so we’ve carried over a lot from what we had been doing with Club Z to the high school,” said Chavez.
In recent seasons, the Bears were the hunters, chasing San Juan Basin powerhouses like Dove Creek. Tuesday night’s 25-15, 25-11, 25-11 sweep of the Bulldogs signaled a shift – the Bears are now the team being hunted.
“It’s put in our heads that we are that team now,” said Chavez of the role reversal. “So we want to play like that team, work like that team, be like that team.”
Dove Creek (2-14, 1-5 2A/1A SJBL) hung tough early, led by junior Mykaela Fury’s high-energy play. But the Bears’ power game – at the net and from the service line – produced several runs that kept the hosts in control throughout.
On their way to a 14-1 record, Dolores has dropped only four sets – three in their lone loss to Ignacio. That defeat, Chavez said, was a wake-up call.
“It was tough – we weren’t communicating or playing the volleyball that we know how to play,” she said. “That game has really made us work a lot harder in practice.”
First-year head coach Brianna Wyatt, who coached many of the Bears during the summer club season, has had the team firing since open gyms in the spring. Her system and expectations were familiar, making the transition seamless even with new players in the mix.
“We started all the way back in April, and that helped us get closer as a team,” said Chavez. “And we’ve not only developed our skills, but also a winning mentality.”
Dolores (14-1, 8-1 SJBL) gets its second shot at Ignacio on Oct. 28. Both teams rank in the top 10 of the CHSAA Seeding and Selection Index. Wins over Ridgway (Oct. 21) and Telluride (Oct. 23) would give the Bears at least a share of the league title.
Chavez and her teammates are embracing the challenge. Most of the roster hasn’t played in the 2A regional tournament, but they’re eager for the opportunity.
“It really gives us fire to keep pushing harder,” said Chavez. “We all want it.”
Dolores will test itself against playoff-caliber opponents outside of league play. A trip to northeast Colorado for a tournament hosted by Caliche awaits on Saturday, Oct. 18. Matches against Sanford and Crested Butte on Oct. 24 lead into the regular-season finale against Ignacio on Oct. 28 at 6:30 p.m.
