Special to the HT
RANGELY | The Rangely High School volleyball team hit the road Friday evening to take on Plateau Valley, entering the match on a four-game winning streak after defeating Olathe the weekend before.
The Panthers knew it would be a battle against the Cowboys, who came in with a 19-1 record and hadn’t lost since Sept. 19 on the road at Vail Christian. Rangely battled hard, taking one set before falling 3-1. The final scores were 25-20, 12-25, 13-25 and 19-25.
Senior Addison Scott led the Panthers offensively with nine kills and 14 digs. Sophomore Isabella Cox played a key role in setting up the attack, finishing with nine assists and a team-high four aces. Cox said finding rhythm as a setter and maintaining team chemistry was key.
“The way I find my rhythm in a game while setting is noticing how my teammates are doing that day and trying to make them feel confident,” Cox said. “One thing that really helped me make adjustments to Plateau Valley’s defense was seeing how far up they were on the court and telling my hitters about open corners and lines. The game becomes more fun during a competitive set or rally.”
Defensively, Rangely showed grit throughout the night. Taylor Fouch anchored the back row with a match-leading 24 digs and 38 serve receptions, keeping rallies alive and giving the Panthers opportunities to respond. Bollinger added five kills and three block assists, rounding out a balanced effort at the net.
Despite moments of momentum, the Panthers couldn’t maintain consistency as Plateau Valley capitalized on key runs late in each set. The loss dropped Rangely’s record to 10-11 on the season.
The following day, the Panthers returned home to host Cedaredge for their annual Pink Out game. Despite a strong start and energy from the home crowd, Rangely again fell in four sets, 3-1. The final scores were 25-16, 18-25, 24-26 and 25-15.
Scott once again led the offense, recording 14 kills and 10 digs. Freshman Teagan Behunin added five kills and two aces, while Bollinger contributed four kills and three blocks. Fouch anchored the back row with 18 digs and 40 serve receptions. Senior Courtney Files led at the net with five block assists. Setters Rylee Kenney and Cox combined for 19 assists and eight aces.
Behunin said confidence has been key to her performance as a freshman playing varsity. “What has worked well for me on the attack and service line is having confidence in myself and trust that my team can help me make the play by running our offense,” Behunin said. “Even when it gets hard, I continue to push myself beyond my comfort zone and limits. My coach and teammates have been very encouraging and uplifting.”
Bollinger added that her aggressiveness and confidence have fueled her play recently. “The biggest thing that’s been clicking lately is my overall aggressiveness and confidence. I’ve been focused in practice on going up high and hard on every swing, not thinking too much, and trusting my read on the block,” Bollinger said. “My hitting has seen the biggest leap this year. Going into the De Beque game, we are all focusing on cleaning up our little mistakes and finishing as a team.”
Head coach Angie Hill said she was proud of the team’s effort despite the results. “I think the girls played really well against both teams. We had great plays, just had a hard time finishing,” Hill said. “Defensively, the girls were scrappy and never gave up. The sets that we won, we played calm and relaxed. Recognizing survivors and remembering those we lost together during Pink Out was a really humbling feeling.”
Scott reflected on her senior season as she prepares for the final regular-season match. “Senior Day represents all the hard work, memories, and growth over the past four years,” Scott said. “I hope the younger girls take away my love for the sport and the positivity I try to bring. I’m proud of the way we’ve kept our heads up and worked hard no matter the odds.”
Cox said the team’s chemistry and trust have helped them navigate competitive matches. “Our team has gotten to know one another, and we all have chemistry together,” she said. “My focus this final weekend is to have fun, stay aggressive, stay competitive, and make memories with my team.”
With the weekend losses, Rangely’s record stands at 10-12. The Panthers will look to close out the regular season with a win as they host De Beque on Nov. 1 at 1 p.m. for Senior Day, honoring Scott, Courtney Files, Kaelyn Geer and Aubrianna Tapia for their leadership and contributions to the program.
Rangely High School senior Courtney Files (#5) sets the ball during Saturday afternoon’s annual Pink Out game against Cedaredge. Files, a key leader at the net, helped the Lady Panthers stay competitive in front of a supportive home crowd during the 3-1 matchup. JARED HENDERSON PHOTO
