2024 Season Recap
As October ends and November begins the Lady Pronghorns conclude their 2024 season. Their final road games were against Western Wyoming and Casper College. They fought 3-2 against the Mustangs where Kinley Solem and Mackenzie King led offensively; totaling 20 kills between the two. Khalila Salinas worked hard to defend and lead back-row through all five sets. Her and Kate Vondrak fought hand and hand sharing 31 digs. Despite their efforts, Gillette couldn't push through and finish for the win. The Lady Pronghorns were down a player most of this game and all of Casper's game as Payge Riediesel landed on a teammate and injured herself. A slow start with the Thunderbirds ended up costing the Pronghorns the match in Casper, WY. Although efforts from Vondrak and Salinas were still high from the previous match, Gillette seemed to adjust too slowly with the altered line-up and were too late ending that night 13-25, 25-27, and 20-25.
The start of November was an eventful one at the Pronghorns home. Friday was Faculty, Staff and Educator appreciation night where the Lady Pronghorns displayed art for those who attended their invite to the VIP box. This game was against Central Wyoming and was taken to four sets. King was worked hard this game as she became the main option for Gillette. Vondrak joined the bench to help cheer her team as she was tested for a concussion following the Casper game. Despite the amazing crowd and support, the Lady Pronghorns couldn't connect and were forced to limited options against the Rustlers.
Sophomore night also went to four sets where effort was spread amongst all the Lady Pronghorns. Gillette came out confidently and cut it close with the Trappers going 23-25. They lost their momentum in the second set and then came back in the third set going 25-21. Although they seemed to have found a great adjustment for themselves, Northwest college came out with the 'W'. Our sophomores, Kinley Solem, Francesca Gazani, and Fabiola Acety were accompanied by some of their family as they closed out their final game in Gillette. It was a bittersweet game for these girls, but they are overall grateful for this season. They share their gratitude:
"I am grateful for my amazing teammates and being able to play on a court where I feel supported. I am thankful to have been a leader and to leave Gillette with a great sisterhood that I'll cherish forever." (Fabiola Acety)
"I am grateful for all the connections and friendships I have been able to make here whether we were winning or losing we always had each other to lean on." (Kinley Solem)
"I am grateful for not only the experience but also for meeting all the girls and for being someone they could trust." (Francesca Gazani)
As most of the Gillette Volleyball team were freshmen this year, the supporting community is excited to see how well the program will develop with many returners next season. 2024 concludes at an overall 10-14. Although it is not the flashiest record, the Lady Pronghorn program has improved from the year prior and with a couple of add ons and tweaks, next year should be a promising one!