Dogies corralled, then stampede past Bison

The Newcastle Dogie volleyball team opened 3A East Conference play with a split last weekend, dropping a four-set decision to Glenrock on Friday night before rebounding with a strong road win at Buffalo on Saturday.

Friday’s home match against Glenrock started with promise, as the Dogies jumped out to a 25-16 win in the opening set. The Herders regrouped, however, taking the next three by scores of 25-18, 25-21 and 25-13. 

Adalyn Olson paced the attack with 12 kills and 18 digs, while Delainey Dresen chipped in 17 digs and two kills. Senior Sydney Pederson tallied five kills and 19 digs, and junior Lillie Morrill added six kills and 21 digs. Setter Kyndal Von Eye handed out 23 assists to lead the offense.

“The girls fought back Saturday after a tough loss at home Friday night,” head coach Mickey Crabtree said.

Newcastle turned things around the following afternoon, defeating Buffalo 3–1 by set scores of 27-25, 22-25, 25-18 and 25-19. The victory was especially sweet after the Bison edged the Dogies in a three-set thriller at the Gillette Invite earlier this season. 

“Saturday the girls focused on earning their own points, which made a huge difference for us,” Crabtree said.

Dresen hammered a season-high 16 kills to go along with 20 digs, Olson delivered 14 kills and 23 digs, and Pederson posted seven kills and 21 digs. Morrill chipped in six kills and 14 digs. Von Eye had a strong outing with 41 assists, while sophomore Zadyn Allen sparked the defense with 23 digs.

“The girls are excited to get back into the gym to start getting ready for this coming week to keep our momentum going from Saturday,” Crabtree said.

With the split, Newcastle improved to 1–1 in conference play and will look to build on its win over Buffalo, but its momentum will be tested right away. Newcastle travels to 2A power Sundance on Tuesday night, looking to avenge a straight-set loss from the Gillette Invite in September. The Dogies return to 3A East play Friday at Torrington, a team they rallied past in three sets at the Douglas Invitational earlier this season, before closing the week at home on Saturday against Wheatland, which Newcastle also beat in Douglas.

Newcastle vs. Glenrock

Glenrock def. Newcastle, 16-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-13
Leaders: Olson 12 kills, 18 digs; Dresen 17 digs; Morrill 6 kills, 21 digs; Pederson 5 kills, 19 digs; Von Eye 23 assists

Newcastle vs. Buffalo

Newcastle def. Buffalo, 27-25, 22-25, 25-18, 25-19
Leaders: Dresen 16 kills, 20 digs; Olson 14 kills, 23 digs; Pederson 7 kills, 21 digs; Morrill 6 kills, 14 digs; Von Eye 41 assists; Allen 23 digs