DOVE CREEK – Many high school student-athletes reflect on the bus rides as some of the most memorable from their athletic experiences.
If that’s the case, the Dove Creek girls will have a stockpile of albums put together before the midseason mark.
When Mancos visits the Dawg House on Sept. 19 for a rematch of a thrilling five-setter, the Bulldogs volleyball program will have spent 11 of their first 12 matches away from their friendly home floor.
In the meantime, the Bulldogs carry a strong 8-2 record through the first 10 matches of the season, thanks to a pair of sweeps against their local rivals Nucla and Monticello this week.
The wins follow a pair of tough matches against larger schools in Alamosa, where the Bulldogs split action against Pueblo Central and the host Mean Moose. Dove Creek took down the Wildcats, 3-0, before falling to the 3A state tournament qualifier Alamosa, 3-1.
Returning starters senior Kylie Gatlin and junior Ralynn Hickman have tallied the lion’s share of kills for the ‘Dogs this year, with Kalie Gatlin dishing out assists from her setter position.
For head coach Lacey Murphy, however, the matches served as an opportunity to see continued improvement from her supporting cast of first-time varsity starters.
Sophomore Hadley Hatfield elevated her game, according to the Bulldog head coach, helping the Bulldogs build out of the back line.
“Hadley’s made a difference with our serve receive and defense,” said Murphy, “and we’ve been working on our communication and handling errors better – trying to avoid getting into a cycle with them.”
Meanwhile, senior Halee Beanland has settled into the full rotation for the Bulldogs, playing in every set for Murphy’s group this season. It’s consistency, according to the head coach, that will lead to ongoing success.
“Overall, we’re getting better as a group,” Murphy added, “and even with all the travel, I think the girls are ready for the core part of the season.”
The ‘Dogs will get set for their final matches of their travels with trips to Norwood (Thursday, Sept. 14) and Ignacio (Saturday, Sept. 16) over the next week, setting up the duel with Mancos on the following Tuesday.
