The Bayfield High School volleyball team went 1-1 on the first day of the class 3A state tournament at the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs on Thursday, but the team got better as the day went on.
Bayfield opened the tournament by handily defeating Liberty Common of Fort Collins.
Bayfield, the No. 12 seed, beat No. 5 Liberty Common of Fort Collins in three sets, 25-20, 25-13 and 25-13 to start the tournament strong.
The Wolverines, however, were unable to upset a second squad from the Patriot League on Thursday.
Squaring off with No. 4 University from Greeley in the second round, BHS came up short 25-15, 25-20 and 25-22.
“I think we played great in both matches,” said Bayfield head coach Terene Foutz. “Liberty Common was a great start, but we took it another step up against University and played better as the day went on.“
She said the team had a great serve and passing game and ran its net well. Against University, Foutz said she impressed with the team’s blocking.
“Overall it was a great team effort,” Foutz said. “Everybody is playing their best volleyball right now.”
Despite the loss, the Wolverines are still in contention at the championships.
BHS will return to the court at 8 a.m. Friday to face 3A/2A Intermountain League foe Alamosa. The No. 11 seed, Mean Moose, lost in the opening round to No. 6 Sterling 25-23, 25-17 and 25-13. Bayfield and Alamosa split the two matches they played during the regular season, with Alamosa winning the first contest and Bayfield winning the second one two days later. A win this time, however, would end their rivals’ season.
Foutz said the key for her team on Friday and the rest of the championships will be staying the course. “We have a good system, and we’re running it well,” Foutz said. “It will come down to limiting our unforced errors and maximizing our strengths.”
If Bayfield wins, it will play again at 5 p.m. versus either No. 7 Eaton or Faith Christian.
University, meanwhile, will face No. 1 Resurrection Christian of Loveland in the quarterfinals. After a first-round bye, Resurrection beat No. 9 Faith Christian in the second round, 3-1.
Sterling improved to 2-0 n the day with a sweep over No. 3 Lutheran. Sterling is set to face the winner of No. 10 Platte Valley and No. 2 Lamar in the quarterfinals.
“It’s been a great experience so far and we’re excited for tomorrow,” Foutz said.
