With some bugs left to exterminate from their system-as evidenced by a Game 2 loss-Bayfield volleyball nonetheless recorded a second straight Intermountain League victory last Saturday.
And win, lose, or fifth-game tiebreaker, a familiar face expected the battle in La Jara.
"It's weird, but I am so excited for it. It's going to be great," Centauri Head Coach and former Wolverine Candace Shaw said in a preview last Thursday after CHS' five-game win at 2A Ignacio. "Kelley Rifilato.taught me so much, and I just try to channel her as much as I can! So I'm looking forward to it!"
"I think these are the times that we live for, as coaches and as players both," she added, when asked about facing her prep alma mater for the first time. "It's pressure situations that we thrive off, the extra adrenalin, and it's awesome to still be a part of that-even if it's from the sideline."
Staying close to BHS in three of four games played, the Falcons' rookie coach tested her best tactics but in the end fell short against veteran counterpart Terene Foutz, whose side prevailed 25-18, 23-25, 25-13, 25-22.
Junior Maddi Foutz put down a team-high 12 kills, while senior Brooke Kudelski and sophomore Kylee McCoy each nailed seven against a senior-led Centauri (10-6, 1-3 IML) squad.
Having improved to 7-8, 3-1, Bayfield had a week off and will resume play rested, rehearsed and welcoming Monte Vista tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 p.m. Struggling in league at 0-4, MVHS will go into Friday's home match versus Alamosa standing 5-10 overall.
Earlier this season, Kudelski made a strong declaration which seems to be holding water: "We need to keep going and pushing," she stated, "because.honestly, we're going to be unstoppable."
CHANGING HER FALL COLORS: Shaw said she's getting accustomed to the switch from purple and gold to red and black. She's also assisted Centauri's track and field team.
"I have a wonderful group of girls," she said. "I have extremely supportive parents, and just a supportive cast.my assistant coaches are wonderful. So I think it's a wonderful experience and I'm excited to grasp that. And to have such a supportive community around me really helps with everything."
