Dogies outlast Wheatland

The Newcastle Dogie volleyball team played three grueling matches last week, pushing each opponent to multiple sets and capping the stretch with a thrilling five-set victory over the Wheatland Bulldogs on Saturday.

“We had three really tough matches this week,” head coach Mickey Crabtree said.

The Dogies opened the week on the road at 2A No. 3 Sundance, also known as the Bulldogs, and traded momentum throughout four sets before falling 15-25, 25-14, 16-25, 23-25. 

Senior Sydney Pederson led Newcastle with 10 kills and 22 digs, while sophomore Adalyn Olson posted a double-double with 10 kills and 28 digs. Delainey Dresen added eight kills, and setter Kyndal Von Eye distributed 30 assists. Junior Lillie Morrill chipped in four kills and a team-high 29 digs.

Newcastle returned to 3A East play Friday at Torrington, with the Trailblazers currently sitting atop the conference standings and unbeaten in league play. The Dogies took the opening set 25-23 before the Trailblazers rallied to win the next three 19-25, 20-25 and 18-25. 

Olson again led the attack with 12 kills and 24 digs, while Dresen added seven kills and 23 digs. Pederson had 12 kills and 18 digs, and Morrill contributed four kills and 27 digs. Von Eye handed out 35 assists in the loss, while sophomore Zadyn Allen was steady in serve-receive and finished with nine digs.

“The girls battled hard each set, but struggled on earning our own points,” Crabtree said.

On Saturday, Newcastle finally broke through in dramatic fashion, outlasting Wheatland in five sets, 25-19, 25-20, 13-25, 17-25 and 15-13, to earn its second conference win of the season. 

Olson delivered 17 kills and 27 digs, Dresen turned in 14 kills and 27 digs, and Pederson notched 12 kills with 33 digs. Morrill added two kills and 31 digs, Von Eye recorded a season-high 39 assists, and Allen chipped in 13 digs as the Dogies pulled out the deciding set.

“Saturday we had a great five-set win over Wheatland,” Crabtree said. “The girls focused on earning their own points and that made a huge difference for us.”

Following the thrilling victory, the Dogies have a quick turnaround and will see both 3A East teams again in front of the home crowd. Newcastle hosts the Wheatland Bulldogs on Friday and the Torrington Trailblazers on Saturday.

The Dogies plan to build on the momentum gained from Saturday’s win, and hope the excitement and emotion of Homecoming Week will give them an added edge.

“We are looking forward to two home games this weekend for Homecoming,” Crabtree said.

Newcastle at Sundance

Sundance Bulldogs def. Newcastle, 15-25, 25-14, 16-25, 23-25
Leaders: Olson 10 kills, 28 digs; Pederson 10 kills, 22 digs; Dresen 8 kills; Morrill 4 kills, 29 digs; Von Eye 30 assists

Newcastle at Torrington

Torrington Trailblazers def. Newcastle, 25-23, 19-25, 20-25, 18-25
Leaders: Olson 12 kills, 24 digs; Pederson 12 kills, 18 digs; Dresen 7 kills, 23 digs; Morrill 4 kills, 27 digs; Von Eye 35 assists

Newcastle vs. Wheatland

Newcastle def. Wheatland Bulldogs, 25-19, 25-20, 13-25, 17-25, 15-13
Leaders: Olson 17 kills, 27 digs; Dresen 14 kills, 27 digs; Pederson 12 kills, 33 digs; Morrill 31 digs; Von Eye 39 assists; Allen 13 digs