Lady Warriors putting things together at the right time

After an excellent showing at the 3A West conference duals, things are rounding into form for the Worland Lady Warriors volleyball team.

"They did awesome and I'm really proud of them. I think we shocked a couple of people and it was a great weekend," said WHS volleyball coach Joanna Peterson.

Before playing in the 3A West conference duals, the Lady Warriors hosted the 2A Hot Springs County Lady Bobcats on Oct. 10. In a precursor to the weekend, the Lady Warriors took down the Lady Bobcats 3-0 (25-19, 25-14, 26-24).

In the third set, the Lady Warriors trailed 20-14 but went on a 9-2 run to take the lead at 23-22.

"I kept telling the girls not to give up and keep going. That's been the biggest thing this weekend, we have to be able to finish games. They did it on Thursday against Thermopolis and did it in three for the first time this season.

"We've been talking with the girls about believing in what they do and working on the fundamentals. The basics are what are going to win. It doesn't have to be perfect but you have to be under control. It's been helpful and everyone is stepping up and playing their role. They're seeing their potential," said Peterson.

Anna Richardson had 14 kills, six blocks and 13 digs in for the Lady Warriors in the win against Thermopolis. Annie Page and Addi Estes had seven kills each and Lillie Richardson had six kills.

Estes also had six blocks and 13 digs, and Kalistynn Crippen had a team-high 16 digs.

Playing in the 3A West conference duals on Oct. 11-12 in Pinedale, the Lady Warriors showed they are no pushovers.

On the first day at the duals, the Lady Warriors took down No. 5 Lyman 3-2 (25-13, 16-25, 25-21, 9-25, 18-16) and narrowly lost to Mountain View 3-2 (15-25, 20-25, 25-23, 25-13, 15-11).

"They took Lyman to five but we could have had them closer to four. It's just about keeping that energy going and it's not going to be easy and you have to go harder to finish it out," said Peterson. "We had Mountain View, but things trickled down but it was a really exciting game. They are a hard-hitting team, but we had our blocks and Kalistynn was digging. It was awesome."

In the second day, Worland beat Lander 3-1 (25-23, 18-25, 25-19, 25-14) and lost to Pinedale 3-0 (26-24, 25-22, 25-23).

"We led that first game against Pinedale but couldn't finish. That's going to be a key for us this week. When we have teams like that, we've got to close it out. We can't dwell on our mistakes and have to refocus and get those final points."

"The girls needed that confidence from the Lander game. Even though they're younger than most the teams playing, they can play with anybody," said Peterson. "I told them they're a defensive team and they proved that over the weekend. A defensive team is the best team to be. It doesn't get praised as much but it's what wins games."

Leading the way for the Lady Warriors in the duals was Anna Richardson. The senior had 57 kills and 12 aces. Estes had 38 kills and 47 digs. Crippen had 41 digs and Maddie Robertson had 32 digs.

Elly Julson had 13 blocks and five aces, Lillie Richardson had 21 blocks and Page had 16 blocks.

Coming out of the conference duals, the Lady Warriors sit fifth in the 3A West standings, which is a good spot to sit for this team.

"After that weekend, we're seeded fifth. We're seeded really well and I like where we are at. It's little by little and things are clicking. They're coming together and making a name for themselves," said Peterson.

The Lady Warriors head back into their 3A Northwest schedule this week with games against Powell and Lovell.

Today, Worland hosts Powell in a 6 p.m. game, and tomorrow, go on the road to play Lovell at 6 p.m.

With the postseason two weeks away, the Lady Warriors want to build off what they did well last week as they take on Powell and Lovell.

"Getting ready for Powell, we have to work on our blocking. Lovell is always going to be good, and they are scrappy. We have to give 100% and not drop when we go from side to side. We have to keep that momentum and intensity after each set," said Peterson. "Our bench has been helpful. We asked them to scream and yell and they were giving us coaches headaches but it's the energy and momentum we need. The bench has been great."

All rankings are from the WyoPreps coaches and media poll.