Herald Staff Report

For four seniors and their coach, this is the last chance.

A loaded Bayfield High School volleyball team departed Thursday for the Denver Coliseum, stopping along the way to get in one last practice before the start of the Colorado High School Activities Association Class 3A State Volleyball Tournament.

This senior class for the Wolverines is no stranger to state, as the varsity team has made it to the Denver Coliseum as one of the final 12 teams all four years of their high school careers. That senior class includes Emily Bauer. Maddi Foutz, Taylor Morris and Miranda Talbot.

BHS (22-3) is also loaded with strong junior and sophomore classes. Foutz signed with Colorado State University on Wednesday, and many more Wolverines could sign Division I scholarships in the future.

For head coach Terene Foutz, this is her last run at a state title, as she will retire at the end of the season.

Action will begin at 8 a.m. Friday, but Bayfield isn’t expected to hit the floor for its lone match Friday until 1 p.m. or later. That match comes against No. 4 University and is key for BHS to advance out of pool play.

University will complete pool play Friday evening against No. 9 Pagosa Springs. BHS, which has already owns two 3-0 wins against Pagosa Springs this year.

Those teams will meet shortly after 8 a.m. Saturday to wrap up Pool 4.

Eaton stands as the top-ranked team. If the Reds win their pool, they will face the winner of Bayfield’s pool in the state semifinals Saturday afternoon.

BHS has been motivated by receiving a No. 5 seed at state after feeling they deserved a No. 2 seed.

With added motivation and elite talent, that could be a scary combination for their opponents.

For live coverage of Bayfield’s run in the state tournament, follow sports editor John Livingston on Twitter @jlivi2.