RANGELY | The Rangely Panthers faced two nail-biting volleyball matches recently, coming close but falling short in both encounters. On Sept. 14, they went head-to-head with Coal Ridge, and more recently, on a tough night, they battled Caprock Academy.
Coal Ridge Triumphs in Four Sets
In a thrilling contest that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Rangely Panthers went toe-to-toe with the Coal Ridge Titans. Despite their valiant efforts, Rangely couldn’t secure the victory, ultimately losing in four sets, with scores of 23-25, 25-21, 20-25, and 23-25.
Leading the charge for the Panthers was Lexi LeBleu, who displayed her prowess both at the service line and in attack. Lexi notched an impressive 11 serve points, including two aces, and contributed 12 crucial kills during the match. Annika Cantrell led the team with an astounding 16 kills, showcasing her offensive prowess.
The setting duties were handled admirably by Kaitlyn Cox, who amassed 23 assists. Emma Smith and Emme Wagner were defensive stalwarts, recording 25 and 22 digs, respectively. At the net, Annika Cantrell and Audy Ryder each tallied three critical blocks.
Caprock Academy Edges Out Rangely in Four Sets
In another intense showdown, the Rangely Panthers faced off against Caprock Academy. The Panthers started strong by winning the first set with a score of 25-21. However, Caprock Academy rallied back to claim the next three sets, with scores of 25-27, 23-25 and 24-26, securing the overall victory.
Kaitlyn Cox was a standout performer from the service line, registering six aces and a total of 12 serve points. Annika Cantrell continued to shine, leading the team with 10 kills, while Lexi LeBleu added nine kills of her own. Cox contributed 15 assists, and Karlee Halcomb chipped in with 13 assists. Halcomb also displayed her defensive prowess with 18 digs, alongside Emma Smith, who had an additional 18 digs. Annika Cantrell continued to dominate at the net, amassing six crucial blocks during the match.
Next Challenge for Panthers
The Rangely Panthers are not deterred by these close defeats and are gearing up for their next challenge. On Wednesday, Sept. 20, they will face off against the De Beque Dragons in a 2A/1A Western Slope challenge. Rangely, with a 6-4 season record, will be looking to bounce back and continue their pursuit of success. The Dragons, holding a similar 6-4 record, recently clinched a 3-0 league win over North Park, making this upcoming match a must-watch for volleyball enthusiasts.
