Rangers stampede Broncs on senior night

The Hill City Rangers volleyball team defended its home court in the last regular season game against the Belle Fourche Broncs last Tuesday. Senior night was also celebrated with the volleyball team sharing the spotlight with the cross country team, honoring their seniors and celebrating their success at the state meet. 

The Rangers played all seven of their seniors for the match-up, hit the floor running and never looked back.

“We were able to start all seven of our seniors and try a couple different rotations. The atmosphere was great, and it’s always nice seeing a big home crowd,” said head coach Allie Henderson. 

The game wasn’t sentimental for just the senior players, but also for Henderson, who is in her fourth year of coaching at Hill City.

“These seniors were the freshman for my first year of coaching, so having my first full circle group feels pretty sentimental. Being able to watch that growth in both skill and personal development from beginning to end just reinforces what coaching is all about for me,” said Henderson. “It’s truly been a pleasure coaching every class over the last few years, and I know that this group of seniors will leave an impact, just like the classes before them. That’s what makes the volleyball program so special. The culture of support and encouragement is strong, and our goal is to put the team above anything else,.” 

The Rangers commanded a decisive three-set win (25-14, 25-14, 25-8) to round-out their regular season. 

Hill City entered the first round of post-season play Tuesday night against the 11-18 Lead-Deadwood Golddiggers. Results will be available next week. 

Contingent on a Ranger win, the team will advance to play the winner of the Rapid City Christian and Belle Fourche game Thursday.