Rangers whiz past Comets to orbit into SoDak 16

The Rangers volleyball team is heading to the SoDak 16 after defeating Rapid City Christian (25-19, 25-19, 23-25, 25-17).

Coach Allie Henderson said her team was nervous and it was evident, especially in the second set when the girls had a commanding 6-1 lead which quickly became a 16-all set before the Rangers defeated the Comets.

This was not the first time it took the Rangers more than three sets to win a match against RCC.

“We had only played RCC once prior in the season and it went to five sets. Despite knowing we didn’t have a complete team when we first played them, nerves still run pretty high in a playoff game,” Henderson said.

Senior Myah Larsen had 20 assists against the Comets. Juniors Grace Peckosh and Alaina Dean each had four aces in the win. Freshmen Brooke Larsen and Lillie Ham had  30 kills overall.

Henderson said her girls were confident and that that confidence was a bit of a detriment.

“We know we’re a better team, which I think made them even more fearful of losing. We have had our minds on state for such a long time, that all of a sudden, losing a region game before we even reached SoDak 16 became our biggest fear,” Henderson said.

Henderson hopes the game was “a good jitter-dump so we can play more confidently in SoDak 16,” she said.

Hill City (29-3) enters the SoDak 16 taking on  Sioux Valley (23-6).

“Sioux Valley has two pretty strong hitters and a great blocking group,” Henderson said. “Their defense isn’t as strong as ours. I think we outmatch their team as a whole. We have more weapons and I think digging up some of their attacks is going to knock them back on their heels a little.”

Her approach is to come out strong to start. 

“If we come out swinging in the beginning and take the wind out of their sails it’s going to be a good outcome. It’s going to come down to our mental toughness and ability to let go of mistakes,” Henderson said.

The game is being played in Philip, which Henderson thinks is an advantage.  

“We’ve got the upper hand with the Philip gym being closer to us and being in a gym we’ve played in many times,” she said. 

She hopes Rangers fans will make the trek to support the girls Nov. 12 at 7 p.m.