Girls volleyball defeats Artesia Bulldogs

On July 7 the Gunnison Cowboys volleyball team took down the Artesia Bulldogs of New Mexico on their way to a second-place finish in the Western Colorado University varsity team camp.

The game started slow for the Cowboys, who quickly went down 5-10. Gunnison turned it around, however, thanks in part to a few well placed spikes from Kaya Burnett.

After a perfect serve from Aubrey Welfelt, the first set was even at 11-11. The Bulldogs continued at a relentless pace, constantly putting Gunnison under pressure. The Cowboys fought back with urgency, keeping the Bulldogs lead within one point. Ruthie Lock then turned the tide for Gunnison, tying the game with a clutch serve and helping the Cowboys reclaim the lead.

Gunnison continued to fight with Aubriel Loken and Rose Kowal crushing spikes to keep the Cowboys ahead at 21-18. The Bulldogs were fiery in response, trading the lead with Gunnison often. The Cowboys were down by one, but Welfelt smacked it over after a diving save by Loken, securing the point and tying the score.

After a crucial block from Roxie Uhrig, Burnett delivered the final blow to win the first set. The Bulldogs took over again at 7-6 in the second set. Their narrow lead did not last long thanks to poor serves, a block from Mercy Williams and a serve from Uhrig. Gunnison ran away with the lead, beleaguering the bulldogs with serves and spikes.

With Welfelt and Kowal spiking the ball, and spectacular defense from Addison Claus, Maya Petrie and Williams, Gunnison kept the lead for the entirety of the set. The Cowboys won the game with a Petrie spike completing the set at 25-21.

The girls went on the lose to McClave in the varsity championship match, finishing the camp in second place. The Cowboys first home game is on Saturday Aug. 8 against the Sanford Mustangs

(Evan Bjornstad can be contacted at 970.641.1414.)