Kelly Walsh faces Thunder Basin; Laramie takes on Sheridan in 4A semifinals
Defending state champion Laramie is moving on to the semifinals of the Wyoming State High School Class 4A Volleyball Championships, but Natrona County didn't make it easy for the Plainsmen.
Laramie (31-1) needed an 11-4 run late in the fourth set to finally create some distance from the Fillies before securing a 3-1 (25-18, 24-26, 25-19, 25-20) victory Thursday at the Ford Wyoming Center.
"I'm proud of the girls for not backing down and taking (Laramie's) best shot," NC head coach Adrian McNamee said. "We wanted to put ourselves in a position to win and I think we did that. It was a fun game to play in."
Natrona County (13-20) stood tall against the Laramie front line of Tessa Dodd, Michon Sailors and Ava Plassmeyer, each of whom stands at least 6-foot-2. The Fillies were seemingly in position to force a fifth set - leading 13-9 in the fourth - but the Plainsmen found some holes in the NC defense and pushed to a 20-17 advantage before closing it out.
Laramie advanced to the semifinals for the fifth consecutive year; Natrona County will face Green River in the consolation semifinals.
"We have to respond," McNamee said. "Our goal coming in was to be playing on Saturday and we still have a chance to do that."
Laramie will face Sheridan, which survived a five-set marathon against Green River, winning 23-25, 25-15, 25-20, 24-26, 19-17.
Playing at state for the first time in eight years, the Broncs (21-13) decided to make it worthwhile.
"It was stressful, but in a good way," Sheridan head coach Danielle Torpey said. "These girls are the queens of facing adversity. We've had so many injuries it's like we have a new lineup every game. We had three JV players on the court for us tonight.
"I credit our seniors Kyleigh (Gold) and Naomi (Andersen) for giving us a calming leadership on the court. This is about value, purpose and role."
Friday's early semifinal will be a rematch from last year when West Regional champ Kelly Walsh takes on Thunder Basin.
The Trojans (30-3) advanced with a 3-0 (25-13, 25-14, 25-19) sweep of Cheyenne East.
"I was happy with the way we came out strong," KW head coach Jeff Barkell said. "This tournament is always different so you never know what to expect."
Fans should expect to see the Trojans in the semifinals, though. This is the ninth consecutive year Kelly Walsh won its quarterfinal match.
Junior Madyn Waring led a balanced KW attack with eight kills, with seniors Kendal Allaire and Jordan Kroeger and sophomore Lillian Hudson all finishing with six kills. Junior Makieha Humphrey had 15 digs and sophomore Gia Ireland (19) and junior Noa Hodgin (14) combined for 33 assists.
Thunder Basin (24-5) defeated Star Valley 3-0 (25-17, 25-22, 25-16) to move into the semis for the seventh time in eight years.
In last year's match, the Bolts won the first two sets against the Trojans before having to hold on for a 3-2 victory.
PHOTOS: State volleyball underwayTeams from around the state converged on the Ford Wyoming Center for the first day of the WHSAA State Volleyball Championships.
