<\/p>\n
Please excuse members of the Dolores High School Lady Bears volleyball team if they seem a bit tired. Three matches in four days, against top-notch competition, will have that effect sometimes.<\/p>\n
Opening one of their busiest stretches of the season against the Ignacio Bobcats on Saturday, Sept. 28, the Lady Bears dropped the first set, but came back with vengeance, eventually winning, 23-25, 25-16, 25-13, 25-14.<\/p>\n
Shortly after dispensing the Bobcats, the Lady Bears took on the Mancos Bluejays and again played well, winning in three sets, 25-15, 25-20, 25-11.<\/p>\n
Then, after a two-day break, the Lady Bears played host to the undefeated Dove Creek Bulldogs and unfortunately, things did not go as well.<\/p>\n
Perhaps fatigue played a role, or maybe, the Bulldogs were just that good, but whatever the case, the Bears were beaten, losing in three sets, 25-27, 18-25, 19-25.<\/p>\n
Of the match\u2019s three sets, the first set was by far the most competitive as the Lady Bears battled hard to take a 21-20 lead, but after a series of back-and-forth points, the Bulldogs prevailed 25-27.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe served well, we hit well, our passes weren\u2019t quite where they needed to be, but they were talking and thinking positive,\u201d said Lady Bears\u2019 head coach Gina Hollen, describing her team\u2019s play during the first set.<\/p>\n
The solid play did not continue for the Lady Bears, however, as they dropped the second set by seven points, losing 18-25.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe got frustrated with ourselves,\u201d Hollen said. \u201cWe weren\u2019t able to cover on defense, and they put the ball where we weren\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the third set, the Lady Bears managed to keep things somewhat close, but eventually, the Bulldogs\u2019 attack proved to be too much as the visitors pulled away for a 19-25 victory.<\/p>\n
\u201cI felt like we played to our potential,\u201d said Lady Bears\u2019 senior Brianna Schwartz, discussing her team\u2019s play. \u201cDove Creek was a good match for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to focus on defense and controlling the ball,\u201d added Hollen. \u201cI know we can play better.\u201d<\/p>\n
After a much-needed break, the Lady Bears will return to action Saturday, Oct. 5, in Ignacio with matchups against Ignacio and Ouray.<\/p>\n
Right now, we don\u2019t have much confidence, but we\u2019ll regain it,\u201d said Schwartz. \u201cWe need to keep working hard.\u201d<\/p>\n