Slowly but surely, the Dolores High School volleyball team has grown into a force to be reckoned with.
Opening at home against Ignacio on Oct. 16, the Bears rode a multifaceted attack to an easy 25-19, 25-13, 25-12 victory.
Aiding in the victory was Beth Brown, who had nine kills and 12 digs. Larissa Umberger contributed 16 digs and 26 assists.
Two days after dismantling Ignacio, Dolores traveled to Telluride on Oct. 18 to take on the Miners.
Although Telluride did its best to hang tough, Dolores pulled away for a 25-19, 25-27, 25-15, 25-11 victory.
Brown led the Bears with 14 kills, nine digs and two aces. Courtney Blackmer contributed 17 kills and 10 digs, and Taylor Elder had 12 kills. Umberger had 40 assists.
Now winners of seven straight matches, the Bears will enter this week's San Juan Basin League District Tournament in Ridgway with a 13-6 overall record.
Seeded second in the five-team tournament, Dolores will open against third seed Mancos at 10 a.m. If the Bears finish in the top-three at districts, they will advance to the regionals next week.
