RANGELY | The Rangely High School volleyball team hosted the Vail Christian Saints on Friday night, dropping a 3-0 decision and falling to 5-8 on the season.
Rangely fell in straight sets, 25-7, 25-14, 25-15, in a matchup that tested both offense and defense. Despite the loss, first-year head coach Angie Hill said she was encouraged by the team’s effort. “I felt like we played really well for the most part. We made some changes from last week, so it was good to see the girls playing well together,” Hill said.
Hill highlighted individual contributions. “I felt like our setters worked really hard to get the sets that I was asking them to,” she said. On defense, she added, “We never gave up and were very scrappy. They had a big block that our hitters had to work around or use, and they did great at adjusting to that.”
Statistics from Friday’s match were not received in time for publication.
Looking ahead to Tuesday’s road matchup against the Meeker Cowboys, Hill said the focus will be on improving strategy and execution. “We are focusing on just improving every set, so our goal is to play more strategically,” she said.
She also emphasized teamwork and staying relaxed under pressure. “As long as the girls can play more relaxed like they did in our last game, they will be able to stay with Meeker. We talked a lot about ball control and playing smarter,” Hill said.
As a first-year head coach, Hill said she keeps the team motivated by focusing on the positives. “I just keep letting them know and see the improvements they are making. Lots of praise on the good things they do,” she said.
After the Meeker matchup, the Lady Panthers will be back on the road this weekend, traveling to West Grand on Oct. 3 for a 5 p.m. matchup, followed by a trip to Coal Ridge on Oct. 4 at 1 p.m.
