GREEN RIVER — The Green River High School volleyball team suffered its first 4A Southwest conference loss of the season Wednesday, falling to Star Valley in straight sets on senior night.
The Lady Wolves lost 25-14, 25-20 and 26-24, dropping to 13-11 overall and 3-1 in conference play. Star Valley improved to 18-13 overall and 2-3 in the conference after previously losing to Evanston earlier in the week.
Despite the loss, Green River remains in a strong position in the 4A Southwest standings. Evanston improved to 24-11 overall and 3-1 in conference play, but Green River holds the head-to-head advantage after defeating the Lady Red Devils earlier this season.
Star Valley controlled much of the opening set, building an early lead and never allowing Green River to move in front. Senior Nicole Wilson and junior Athena Clement recorded kills early in the set, while senior Vivian Murray also contributed kills later in the set for the Lady Wolves. Green River added a block late in the set, but the Braves closed out the 25-14 win.
Green River showed more fight in the second set, taking an early 2-0 lead for its first advantage of the match. After Star Valley moved in front, sophomore Payton Shantz recorded a service ace, and senior Reghan Obray added a kill to make it 12-11 Star Valley halfway through, as the Lady Wolves worked to stay within reach. Unfortunately soon after, the Lady Wolves found themselves down 17-11 after Star Valley scored five in a row.
Green River made a late push, with Clement recording back-to-back kills and Wilson adding another, but Star Valley held on for a 25-20 victory to take a 2-0 match lead.
The Lady Wolves delivered their strongest challenge in the third set, keeping the score close throughout. Wilson recorded a kill to tie the set at 7-7, and a Star Valley error gave Green River an 8-7 lead. The teams continued trading points before the Braves created separation late in the set.
Green River refused to go quietly, however, mounting a late rally after falling behind 24-19. Clement recorded multiple kills during the comeback, while junior Elexes Heward added a block and Star Valley committed consecutive errors. Senior setter Brynlee Cordova then recorded a kill to tie the set at 24-24, capping a five-point run by the Lady Wolves.
Star Valley responded by blocking a Wilson attack to regain the lead before sophomore Neveah Rainey recorded a kill to finish the set 26-24 and complete the sweep.
Although Green River could not extend the match, the late rally in the third set gave the Lady Wolves a chance to force another set after Star Valley reached match point with Green River still trailing by five points. The loss ended Green River’s unbeaten start in conference play, but the Lady Wolves remain on top of the 4A Southwest standings, holding the head-to-head advantage against Evanston. Green River will look to bounce back Saturday when they travel to Jackson, with the varsity match scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
