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West Grand netters drop close one

Larry Banman
Sky-Hi Sports Correspondent

It was a typical West Grand vs. North Park game. Translated, that means both teams worked hard, played good defense and tried to take advantage of every opportunity to score.

The Mustangs of West Grand had defeated North Park earlier in the season, but lost to the Wildcats this past Friday night, 25-12, 23-25, 25-23, 13-25, 15-9. West Grand overcame a slow start to force a five-game match and had seemingly gained the emotional advantage after soundly defeating the Wildcats in the fourth game. In the fifth game, the Mustangs fell behind 2-0 and could never quite get over the hump to secure the victory.

It was a tough loss, according to coach Holli Palmer, and she said the team will be working this week in practice to reduce unforced errors.



The match featured several long rallies, sparkling defensive plays and timely hitting. Coach Palmer also noted that the C-team and junior varsity teams both defeated North Park in two games.

The Mustangs continue to build a foundation upon which they hope to build a program that is consistent and competitive. She said the competitiveness and desire of her young team continues to impress her as West Grand battles older and more experienced squads.



In action two weeks ago, the Mustangs hit a high note when they defeated Meeker in four games. The Cowboys had defeated West Grand in a preseason tournament but this time West Grand rode the emotional high of playing in front of a Homecoming crowd. It was a solid victory and featured some of the best volleyball of the season for the Mustangs

In games played earlier in the season, the Mustangs defeated North Park, lost in four games to a tough Hayden team and then defeated a surprisingly strong Gilpin County team in four games this past Saturday.

West Grand traveled to Hayden last Friday night to play a Tiger team that is laden with seniors and juniors. Hayden has a group of players that has performed well in volleyball and basketball for a number of years and has every reason to expect to play deep into the postseason in both sports.

Palmer’s charges played well enough to grab one game from the Tigers but lost the match, 25-17, 23-25, 14-25, 20-25.

Ten games into the season, Palmer said she is pleased with the effort of the team and is encouraged by the development of the younger players.

Senior Taylor Pesch continues to provide strong leadership on and off the court, Palmer said. In addition, Palmer noted the quickness and passing of junior Chyenne Sims, the consistency of sophomore Laura Billington and the setting and hitting of sophomore Katie Sanford as being part of that success of the team.

What’s next

This weekend the Mustangs will travel to Paonia on Friday night and then return to play Hayden on Saturday. The Paonia games are scheduled for 4, 5, and 6 p.m. while the Hayden games are slated for 1, 2, and 3 p.m.


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