Lady Panthers play under new coach

RANGELY — The Rangely High School volleyball team will open the season with a new head coach. Jimmie Mergelman, who has coached the girls basketball team the past two years, has replaced long-time coach Dave Walck, who is now the assistant principal and activities director for Grand Valley.
“I’m excited, the girls work hard for me, I know them all and they know my style,” Mergelman said of her new team.
The lady Panthers scrimmaged Coal Ridge last week and Mergelman was pleased with her team’s play.
“The scrimmage went well,” Mergelman said. “The girls have adjusted to the changes I’ve made on offense and defense and played well.”
The lady Panthers will be led by seniors Jen Barlow, Ali Gregersen, Meagan Piering and Heather Wantsedt.
“We have good leadership, Heather and Megan have quite a bit of varsity experience,” Mergelman said. The lady Panthers qualified for the state tournament last year.
Rangely will begin scheduled play tonight in Craig, against the 4A Bulldogs and host Altamont, Utah next Tuesday.
Betty Lopez and Duane Moeller will be Mergelman’s assistant coaches.