Bayfield’s current crop of seniors hadn’t yet entered middle school the last time the Wolverines didn’t host a volleyball regional.
BHS (20-3), the No. 3 seed, will host No. 22 Grand Valley (13-10) and No. 34 Estes Park (3-20) in the Colorado High School Activities Association Class 3A Region 3 tournament on Saturday at BHS.
“I think we’re in contention, and I think that we’re in a great position,” BHS head coach Terene Foutz said. “I think it’s hard to be No. 1 and be sought after, and I think this team needs that carrot to pursue. This time last year, we were an eight seed.”
The Wolverines will play Estes Park first followed by the Grand Valley/Estes Park match, then BHS will face Grand Valley in the last match of the day.
“Grand Valley, I am familiar with some of those kids in that a lot of those kids play at United Volleyball Club outside Grand Junction year-round. I know they’re a very good, defensive team. Whether they can put the ball away, I don’t know,” Foutz said. “As far as Estes Park, we’re going in blind.”
Two wins clinch a berth in the state tournament, but the pool gets murkier if all teams finish 1-1.
That hasn’t been a problem in recent seasons for the Wolverines, though.
BHS has won six consecutive regional matches and hasn’t missed a state tournament since 2007.
“Everyone’s coming after us whether we’re hosting or not. I think our team is taking a more offensive approach than defensive approach,” Foutz said. “We hope to go hard out of the gate at 0-0. Bayfield volleyball is hard-working volleyball. That’s not gonna change our last weekend at home.”
Defending state champion Eaton (22-1) is the top overall seed, while Valley (20-3) is No. 2.
Three other Intermountain League teams reached the regional round in addition to BHS.
No. 10 Pagosa Springs will host No. 15 Bishop Machebeuf and No. 27 Salida; No. 19 Alamosa will travel to No. 6 Manitou Springs, and No. 32 Centarui will visit No. 5 Colorado Springs Christian.
“Good for the IML. We’re thrilled, and we fully expect to see Pagosa in a week (at the state tournament), and we’re excited about that,” Foutz said. “The IML is strengthening. Kudos to the IML coaches teaching strong volleyball.”
kgrabowski@durangoherald.com
