Building a dynasty in high school athletics is no easy task. With graduation and transfers continually turning rosters over from year to year, consistent dominance is tough.

So when Lewis-Palmer lost one of the greatest high school volleyball players to ever take the court in Colorado after last season, it would’ve been understandable that the program would take a step back. Not so .

The Rangers – fresh off their second straight 4A state title and a 29-0 season – have ably plugged the holes left by current Purdue Boilermaker Alexa Smith, and it starts with Lydia Bartalo.

In two wins last week, the junior tallied 19 kills, 18 digs, three blocks and 26 serve receives. Through her team’s 7-0 start, Bartalo is second on the team in kills, aces and digs and first in serve receives.

“In terms of her leadership and dedication on the court, she’s stepped in and taken over the leadership role that Alexa and Nicole (Montgomery) left behind,” L-P coach Susan Odenbaugh said. “Lydia’s passing allows us to distribute the ball to all of our skilled players on the court. She can see the open spots on the floor and is a smart player. When you combine that with her physical prowess, it makes a very good player.”

Up to this point, Bartalo’s high school career has known nothing but success. As a freshman and sophomore, she played in the middle of the Rangers’ formation and was a contributor to a pair of state titles. This year, she’s moved to the outside – her more natural position.

If the other 4A teams around the state saw the graduation of Smith and Montgomery as a sign that L-P would have a down year that was an incorrect assumption. Bartalo and senior Mariah Evans have seamlessly transitioned into leadership roles.

“It’s an honor to be a part of this program, but we haven’t talked about winning state again,” Bartalo said. “There’s going to be pressure every season, but we thrive off of it. We take it as a challenge to prove ourselves, and it’s all about how you deal with it.”

Bartalo played well enough during her sophomore year to garner a scholarship offer from the University of Denver, and she is verbally committed to become a Pioneer in 2017. However, she’s focused on high school life right now. That includes going for a three-peat.

“This season has been really fun so far because this team is so united and cares about each other and wants to win for each other,” Bartalo said. “We’re playing as a team and everyone is stepping up because we don’t have Alexa and Nicole, so we’re all taking ownership of positions.”

Odenbaugh says that in addition to being a team leader and do-it-all utility player, Bartalo is a positive influence to everyone around her.

“She’s a very dedicated student who prides herself on being as good of a student as she is an athlete,” Odenbaugh said. “She has a carefree attitude and never takes herself too seriously. You can always tell when she’s around because she’s laughing all the time.”