Lady Cats win against Dogies

The Lady Cats volleyball team took on Newcastle this weekend, whipping up on the Dogies 25-17, 25-13 and 27-25.

Coach Shannon Hill said it took the girls a minute to settle into their play during the first game.

"We let them get the lead first," Hill said, "however, we stayed with them and eventually pulled away, keeping our momentum and finishing strong."

That momentum carried them into the second game where they grabbed a quick lead and just kept pushing. At one point, the score was 20-4 and the Lady Cats let down a little bit and let the Dogies go on an eight-point run.

"That is one of our downfalls right now," Hill said, "letting other teams go on runs. We need to focus on finding a way to finish the ball quickly."

Game three was point for point on both sides of the net. There weren't any big runs, but the game was solid.

"I was very confident that my girls would finish well and I was very proud of them when the score was 24-24," the coach said. "They focused in and made some big plays to end the game and win the match.

Mary Ryan and Lizzy Lofink led with 11 kills each, followed closely by Kelly Johnson with seven.

Lofink also led in aces, with three, and Shaynie Bauer and Chloe Crosby each had two as well.

Maggie Ryan led the defense with 13 digs and Haley McDermott followed with 10 digs and 25 set assists.

"I feel like we finally have the right girls in the right positions," Hill said. "Mary Ryan and Kelly Johnson stepped up big for us in the front row, playing in new positions and Makalya George held steady in the middle.

"Our defense is always on point led by Maggie Ryan, Lizzy Lofink, Shaynie Bauer and Chloe Crosby. Our setter, Haley McDermott, also stepped up and made some big plays to get us up and finish the match."

The Lady Cats have a tough week with Homecoming. They are in Worland today (Thursday) at 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. before turning around to host Buffalo on Friday night at 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.