ROCK SPRINGS – Adjustment is the name of the game for young ladies who move from the high school level of athletics to the college stage. Not only is the game faster, but so much more work has to be put in to be successful.
For two years, several Mustangs have put in that hard work, both on and off the court and it shows. On Tuesday night, the Rowdies said goodbye to the Western Wyoming Mustang sophomores.
Sophomore night adds a little extra emotion and when you add a win into that, it makes everything that much more sweeter. The sophomores said goodbye to Rushmore Floor with a straight-sets win over Central to pick up win no. 20 on the season.
The first game was a battle but the Mustangs were able to get the points late to pull out the win, 27-25. The Mustang win in the first set seemed to take the wind out of the sails of Central.
The were able to take the second 25-15 and followed it with another solid win in the third 25-19 to win the match and stay in the hunt for a conference title.
It was sophomore power at the net for the Mustangs as Caroline Hansen led the team in kills with 15 while Cassidee Lish added 10. Sophomore Amber Hillestad led the team with 28 assists on Tuesday while Alexa Goulding finished with 21.
Sophomore Ashley Hill was huge for the Mustang’s defense as she continually kept the ball alive with a team high 22 digs. Hill also had two ace serves as did sophomore Jenna Sawatizki.
The win moves the Mustangs to 20-8 overall on the season and 8-1 in conference play. Western will now hit the road for several crucial match-ups. On Oct. 24, the Mustangs will face Sheridan and then on the next night, it is the clash everyone has been waiting for. The Mustangs will be looking to get a little revenge as they face Northwest with the conference lead on the line.
Head Coach Rick Reynolds said it has been an honor and he is very proud to have been associated with Amber Hillestad, Ashley Hill (3 years), Caroline Hansen, Cassidee Lish, Jenna Sawatzki, Kortney Freeland, Taeja Davis, and Taylor Larsen the last two seasons.
