As the buildup toward a crucial weekend for the Durango High School volleyball team approaches, junior outside hitter Paige Ammerman’s nerves will shift from trepidation to a sense of anticipation.
The Demons have an opportunity to win the 5A/4A Southwestern League for the first time since 2012, when DHS went 9-1 under then-head coach Robin Oliger. Since, Durango has finished second twice, most recently in 2017, but has not been able to get over the hump.
Durango got off to a slow start in October, as it lost three in a row, including to 3A Intermountain league powers Alamosa and Bayfield. The Demons have since recovered and rattled off five consecutive wins, including a season sweep of Grand Junction and Grand Junction Central. Going into the final weekend of league play, DHS (11-5, 5-1 SWL) has a shot to clinch the league title.
Ammerman is ready to seize the moment.
“Winning those two games against the Grand Junction schools have just given us the drive and the idea that, yeah, we could win this league championship this year,” Ammerman said. “That’s what we’re working for, and I think that’s the biggest motivation right now. Everyone is on the same page with it, and we all know our goal.”
Ammerman, daughter of Lauren and Matt Ammerman, has been vital to the Demons’ success, as she leads Durango in kills (115), total attacks (365) and aces (52). She has averaged nearly an ace per set this season.
She also excels in the classroom and takes five AP courses. While school might be stressful, it all fades away when she steps onto the court.
“I have something to look forward to every day after school, and I come here and don’t have to think about anything other than volleyball,” Ammerman said. “I get to get all of the energy out, sleep and do homework. It’s been awesome. This team is incredible, and I couldn’t ask for more at this point.”
She credited much of her success to the creativity of her teammates.
“Emmy (Romero) is doing an awesome job up there and is spreading the net for us,” Ammerman said of her setter. “I think we’ve done a really good job of placing our hits, putting it on the block, and I know Montrose will have a big block this weekend, so that’s something to look out for. But we’re just smart players this year and are able to make smart plays.”
Durango head coach Colleen Vogt said it’s more than numbers that jump off of the page when it comes to Ammerman.
“Paige really came into her own this year with her leadership,” Vogt said. “She’s such a calming presence for us out there and has been involved in some clutch moments for us this season. When we had some injuries, she stepped in and took over our offense, helped us win some key sets and games.”
Durango is barely holding onto the top spot in the heavily-contested SWL, as the Demons sit at 5-1. Montrose has the same record but has a loss to the Demons, while Fruita Monument, which beat Durango this year, sits one game back at 4-2. With the final weekend of conference play on the horizon with matches against both of those schools, Ammerman said Durango will have to play its smartest volleyball of the season.
“We have a huge opportunity in front of us, and this week is a big chance to get better,” Ammerman said. “Hopefully win the game against Fruita and take that back because they beat us and beat Montrose again. I’m sure they’ll come out even harder than we did before. We have to stay composed and play smart. But I think we’re really prepared for it, and we are excited.”
Considering the Demons have not been in title contention in seven seasons, Vogt said it might be easy for her team to get distracted. Not this bunch.
“The girls trust each other, they really do,” Vogt said. “They go out and enjoy playing volleyball, and it’s been really fun to be apart of and coach this group. The winning will take care of itself. League championship or not, we still have a lot of season left and can make some really cool things happen toward the end.”
Ammerman’s anticipation is building, but she said if the Demons can stay focused and play their game, the nerves will disperse, and she is hopeful it will turn into joy.
“I know that we’ve prepared all that we can for this weekend, and we’ve really shown up the past couple of games and have shown that we have been able to do this<’ she said. “I’m more excited than I’d say I’m nervous because I know what is to come and what could be in the future.”
bploen@durangoherald.com
Behind the scenes
What is your favorite sports movie?:
“Varsity Blues”
What is your favorite local restaurant?:
Zia Taqueria
Do you have a favorite book?:
“Friday Night Lights: A Town, a Team and a Dream” by Buzz Bissinger.
Who is your favorite athlete?:
Nicklin Hames, the setter for the University of Nebraska volleyball team.
What is your favorite local outdoor activity?:
Boating or wake surfing at Navajo Lake
Do you have a dream vacation?:
Australia because it’d be awesome to be by a beach as cool as that.
If you could have any superpower, what would you pick?:
Teleporting because I could go anywhere in the wold whenever I want.
What teacher has had the biggest impact on you?:
Ms. Kaylee Wright. She was my math teacher and C-team volleyball coach in eighth grade.
Who is your role model?:
My parents and my coaches because they have been such a huge influence in my life. They have made well for themselves, so I hope to do the same like them.
