Girls win invitational

The Hill City High School volleyball team is the Belle Fourche Invitational champion.

The girls defeated Lead-Deadwood, New Underwood and Belle Fourche to get to semifinal action where they easily defeated Custer 25-14 and 25-19.

Advancing to the finals, the girls took on Beulah, N.D., beating them in two sets, 25-19 and 25-17

“Everything clicked for the team,” said head coach Allie Henderson. “Our hitters were attacking full strength and anticipating well. Their connection with the setters as well as the setters ability to read the court played a major role. Our back row was unbelievable in their reflex time and with their speed in covering the court. Everybody played to their potential.”

Henderson was confident going into the tournament but thought Belle Fourche would be a challenging opponent. 

“After defeating the team that we couldn’t best last year, I knew they were feeling pretty good,” she said. “It gave them the confidence and momentum to continue dominating and earn the championship.”

The Rangers (17-5) have a tough match traveling to Rapid City this Thursday to take on the Rapid City Christian (RCC) Lady Comets (24-4).

“We have already seen RCC once at the beginning of the season and it was a close match,” Henderson said. “We need to continue working on increasing our speed of play and ability to anticipate. If we play with the aggression and consistency that we have been, I think it’ll be a great game to watch.”

Play begins at RCC at 7 p.m. Sept. 28.