Dolores High Volleyball Finishes Strong, Ends Season 25 to 3

Dolores High School traveled to Denver on November 15 for the CHSAA Class 2A State Volleyball Championships and returned with a season that many in the county will remember. The Bears opened play with a loss to Swink in a match marked by dramatic swings and a late comeback attempt. Dolores then moved into the elimination bracket and posted a hard fought 3 to 1 victory over Sanford with set scores of 25 to 20, 23 to 25, 25 to 23, and 25 to 23. In the team s final match the Bears pushed Sedgwick County to five sets before falling 22 to 25, 25 to 17, 25 to 19, 23 to 25, and 15 to 12.

The trip to Denver was Dolores High s first state appearance since 2019, and the 25 to 3 final record ranks among the program s best recent seasons. The performance reflected both the steady leadership of seniors and the emerging depth from younger classes, with the programs of the classes of 2027 and 2029 cited as sources of promising talent. For a small rural district in Dolores County this kind of postseason success brings visibility and pride, and it also raises practical questions about sustaining momentum.

Beyond scoreboard milestones the season has public health and community implications. High school sports promote physical activity and social connectedness, which support young people s mental and physical well being in a county with limited youth programming. The intense schedule and travel required for a state tournament can strain family budgets and school resources, highlighting equity issues for rural student athletes who need transportation, equipment, and access to year round training.

Local leaders and school officials face decisions about investing in athletics as part of broader strategies to support youth development. Continued funding and community backing can help translate this season s success into long term opportunities for students, and integrating mental health supports for athletes can address the emotional demands of high level competition. As Dolores High looks ahead to next season the program s deepening roster offers cause for optimism, and the county s response will shape whether that promise becomes sustained progress for student athletes and the wider community.