Head Coach Alanna Chavez and her Dos Palos High varsity volleyball squad are riding a big wave of momentum as West Sierra League play gets underway. The Broncos finished the non-league portion of their season with three victories and are now riding a six[1]match winning streak. “As we approach league play, we are preparing to be mentally and physically strong for these next couple of weeks,” said Chavez. On September 11th, Dos Palos travelled to Madera to take on Torres High School, that city’s newest school. The Broncos swept the Toros, 25-18, 25-17, 25-15. Bianca Zapata led Dos Palos with 36 handling at[1]tempts and 30 assists, and Marissa Merrell came in with 28 hitting attempts and 15 hitting kills. Senior Tayla Tatarakis also had 13 hitting attempts and six kills, and Liliana De La Rosa had 11 receptions. On September 13th, the Broncos hosted McLane[1]Fresno and swept the High[1]landers, 25-12, 25-18, 25-11. Zapata continued her consistent play, recording 14 serving attempts, six aces, 37 ball handling attempts and 15 assists. Alexa Paniagua had 11 receptions and 10 defensive digs, and Merrell turned in 16 hitting at[1]tempts and 14 hitting kills. Yaretzi Sandoval also had seven receptions and six defensive digs, and Hannah Slimp finished the contest with 14 hitting attempts and nine hitting kills. After opening WSL play this past Monday against Coalinga, the Broncos will host the Avenal Buccaneers today (Wednesday) with a start time of 5 p.m. This Monday, Dos Palos will travel down Highway 33 to visit the Firebaugh Eagles. That contest is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. And speaking of Coalinga, the Horned Toads appear to be the main obstacle in the Broncos’ march to a league championship, said Chavez. “I think our main challenge in league will be between Coalinga and Mendota,” said the coach. “We haven’t seen them play, but I know we’ll be ready for any team we’re facing. As long as we play our game, we can compete with any team.”

David Borboa