The Panthers seemed to have complete control of the match Friday night against Plateau Valley as the won the first game 25-18, game two was 25-14 and they were ahead in game three.
Something happened in the third game that changed the momentum and in the game of volleyball, momentum is everything.
The offense was led by Katelyn Brown with nineteen kills, followed by Sarah Connor with 12 and Katye Allred with 11.
The defense seemed just as good with Justyne Dembowski getting eight digs, Carrie Goddard adding five and Katelyn Brown saving four.
The team served an incredible 97 percent and looked to be doing everything right.
Coach Mergelman said, “We played really well in the first two games and then just stopped swinging, and stared playing not to lose instead of playing to win.”
They fell short Friday night and then played the very tough Cedaredge Bruins on Saturday where they once again proved they can play with any team in the state.
Rangely fell in the first game 23-25 but won the second 25-21. They ended up losing the next two but certainly gave Cedaredge and the rest of the league a reason to pause when preparing for the Panthers.
The team was led in kills by Katelyn Brown with 12, followed by Sarah Connor with eight and Lindzey Thacker with nine. The team had 99 percent serving as Carrie Gaddard had 19 serves with no errors, Justyne Dembowski had 17 with no errors and Lindzey Thacker had 14 with no errors.
The Panthers traveled to Meeker Tuesday night for the second match up in as many weeks and the results were the same as the first time.
It took Rangely another game to finish the match, but they looked like a definite playoff team as they won the first game, lost the second and had a comeback win in the third game to set up a dominating fourth game victory.
The team came out strong, playing aggressively on the offensive side and digging extremely well defensively. The games seemed to go back and forth and both teams would get runs but Rangely’s defense was too much for the Meeker team.
Katye Allred was outstanding at the net as was Justyne Dembowski as a defensive specialist. The team played together and capitalize on opportunities as Katelyn Brown had a huge night offensively.
Coach Mergelman was extremely pleased with the way the team played and is looking forward to their home game Friday night before going on the road to play Paonia on Saturday. The team looks to have the momentum to surprise some teams this weekend.
