Hill City shuts out Belle to close out season

The Hill City Rangers closed out their regular season volleyball schedule on a high note last Tuesday, sweeping the Belle Fourche Broncs on the road.

Hill City controlled the match from the opening serve, earning a 25-16 victory in the first set. The Broncs fought back in the second set with the Rangers narrowly pulling out a 25-22 win. Hill City’s consistency paid off as they put the match away in the third set by a 10-point margin, 25-15.

“We really came together as a team against Belle,” said Hill City head coach Allie Henderson. “Our passing was phenomenal, which allowed for a consistently fast paced offense. Our setters were making great decisions and placing the ball well, which set up our hitters for success. Everyone was connecting well.”

Carlie Hobbick led the Rangers offensive attack with 10 kills, followed closely by Eden Wildeman with nine. Ashley Ronning added five kills, while Cora Stoebner contributed three. Isabella Johnson and Lindi Larsen each recorded two, and Katelyn Dean added one.

“Our hitters were really aggressive which is something we’ve been working up to. Everyone seemed really confident, focused and intentional with their performance. I was really proud of them the whole way through.”

Zulema Lupercio kept the offense rolling with 11 assists while Hobbick added seven and Dean with three.

Defensively, Dean paced the Rangers with 12 digs, followed by Hobbick with 11. Stoebner recorded six, and Wildeman had five.

At the service line, Ronning and Lupercio each recorded two aces. Stoebner, Dean, Hobbick, Genevieve Scherer and Emily Ramirez each added one.

The victory gives Hill City its second consecutive win to close out the regular season.

The Rangers moved into post-season play on Tuesday, facing Rapid City Christian (RCC) in the first round of the Class A Region 8 playoffs.

Coach Henderson and her team went into the playoff game with, “nothing to lose.”

“It’s been a while since we’ve seen RCC now. We have come a long way and are a very different team now, but I’m sure they are too,” said Henderson. “We won a set on them last time, and I think we have nothing to lose now. I don’t mind going in as the underdog. In a game of momentum, a little underestimating can be used to your advantage. A big momentum shift can mean all the difference in the world. Win or lose, I just want the team to play to the best of their ability and leave it all out there. They know what they’re capable of. We just have to execute.”

Results were not yet available and will be published next week.