Rangers blast ’Diggers in region play

One down, one to go as the Hill City High School volleyball team continues its march to the SoDak 16, and ultimately, the goal of qualifying for the Class A State Volleyball tournament.

The Rangers took the first step in that march Monday evening when they dispatched of Lead-Deadwood in three quick sets 25-8, 25-10, 25-9 to win its first round matchup of Region 8A play. The Rangers entered region play as the second seed.

“They played great against Lead. We were able to get a lot of different players in,” said head coach Allie Henderson. “It can be hard coming off the bench, especially into a different rotation or position, but everyone held their own and really showed how deep of a bench we have. It was a great look into the future for next season.”

The Rangers closed our the regular season by defeating Belle Fourche in three sets (26-24, 22-25, 25-11, 25-15) Oct. 24.

Maggie Taylor blasted 10 kills in the match, along with having four solo blocks and five double blocks. Grace Peckosh had 11 kills of her own, along with 14 assists and 10 digs, while Myah Larsen had 17 assists and 11 digs and Anna Dean had 24 digs.

“I’m really pleased with how we played Belle last week. We got a little too comfortable in the second set but really came out strong and the third and fourth,” Henderson said. “Our attack placement and ability to block really helped the momentum of the game. Then the rest just fell into place. Our back row has a great read on Belle’s hitters and the connection between our setters and front row makes for a great chemistry all around.”

The Rangers and Broncs will tangle again Thursday evening at 6 p.m. at Gins Gym in the second round of Region 8A play, and Henderson said the game will come down to confidence and trust in one another.

“I’m very interested to see how they adjust to our strengths this coming Thursday,” Henderson said. “They’re a great team to play and we’ll see what things we have to adjust as well. I’m looking forward to a competitive game that will hopefully continue making everyone a better player.”