Howell also collects postseason volleyball honors
Unfortunately, the San Juan Basin League’s lone hope at either the 2017 Class 2A or Class 1A State Championships in the Mile High City was unable to bring back any hardware to Southwestern Colorado.
But after going undefeated against all SJBL opposition this fall, Dolores still finished an outstanding 22-4 overall and showed some circuit toughness inside the Denver Coliseum. After an opening three-game loss to Yuma, the Lady Bears needed a win and some help to stay alive in the 2A mix.
Assistance wasn’t likely – YHS went on to lose a close four-gamer to Lyons in the State Championship match – but DHS still represented their home loop well and went out on something of a high note, falling 11-25, 25-20, 24-26, 25-14, 13-15 to Rangely. And such a battle wasn’t a surprise; Dolores had fallen to the Lady Panthers in five (20-25, 20-25, 25-20, 25-21, 11-15) the previous weekend with the Region G Tournament title at stake.
After the season concluded, the All-SJBL Volleyball Team was selected and DHS’ Gina Hollen was the obvious choice as Coach-of-the-Year, with junior middle Tatum Majors the Player-of-the-Year and a First Team All-League nominee along with sophomore outside hitter/middle Jordan Elder.
Despite eliminating Mancos in the SJBL District Tournament’s play-in match, Ignacio’s season ended with losses to Dolores, Ridgway and Telluride in the event’s bracket phase – leaving the Volleycats, who finished 7-6 against all circuit opposition, 9-14 overall.
Included on the Colorado Coaches of Girls’ Sports All-State Games’ Class 2A-Red roster (coached by Hollen and IHS’ Thad Cano) on Sunday, Nov. 19, senior setter Shoshone Thompson was named First Team All-League. Joining her in that regard were THS senior setter Sydney Evans, RHS senior Hunter Gentry, MHS junior middle Morgan Rose and Norwood senior Cortney Lemon.
Dolores junior setter Abby Jones and Dove Creek senior setter LaRissa Randolph anchored the Second Team All-SJBL honorees, which also included DCHS junior middle Breea Meyer, Telluride junior outside hitter Sierra Shambaugh and Nucla senior middle Emily Case.
Used all along the net at the middle, outside and opposite positions, IHS sophomore Makayla Howell received Honorable Mention All-League. Joining her were Ridgway senior Jessi Miller, Norwood sophomore Lillian Parino, and DHS senior outside hitter Sierra Schwartz.