Prep Volleyball: Durango bounces back vs. Cimarron

Matt O'Brien

Thursday, April 8, 1999 | 11:02 a.m.

Despite playing in front of a supportive home crowd Wednesday night, the Durango High boys volleyball team found itself in an unfamiliar position.

After dropping a hard-fought match to California power LaCosta Canyon in the Easter Classic Tournament Chaparral over spring break, the Trailblazers were forced to attempt to rebound from a loss for only the fourth time this season.

Though relatively new to the experience, Bob Kelly's squad responded by defeating Sunset Division rival Cimarron-Memorial 9-15, 15-6, 15-0.

"The loss (to LaCosta) wasn't a bad loss because the players were satisfied with what they were able to accomplish," said Kelly, whose team finished third in the talent-laden tournament. "But it was important for us to bounce back and regain our edge."

Early in the contest, it looked as if the Trailblazers would drop back-to-back matches for the first time all season. The Spartans, behind strong net play from Mike Sagapolu, initiated the action and dominated the opening game.

But momentum shifted quickly. Durango (16-4 overall including tournament games) jumped out to a 9-1 lead in the second game and then shut out Cimarron in the third to remain undefeated in division play (4-0) and take sole possession of first place.

"We weren't worried (about dropping the first game)," said senior Oscar Poort, who contributed seven kills and five blocks to the victory. "We knew we just needed to relax and let the game come to us."

Providing support for Poort were David Doxey and Graham Vilkin. Doxey had a match-high 18 assists and Vilkin chipped in with six kills. Sean Doney, who played a solid all-around game for the Trailblazers, finished with five kills, including three consecutive in the deciding game.

Sagapolu led Cimarron (4-3, 1-3 Sunset) with 15 kills. Nick Grana added 15 assists.

"We've got a good bunch of kids," said Spartan coach Rob Sears, whose team travels to Palo Verde Thursday. "We'll bounce back and snap out of it."