Pronghorns Move to 9-0 After Trapper Invitational

Saturday, September 14th marked our Lady Pronghorns' 9th win in the books! Gillette hit the road this past Thursday to play in the Trapper Invitational in Powell, WY. They did not disappoint as they closed out the weekend 4-0. It looks as if the ladies are doing an amazing job utilizing their ability to switch up the floor and pose multiple strengths across the team.  

They began by sweeping Colorado Northwestern 3-0. Kate Vondrak led the Pronghorns with an .889% with 8 kills! Although she didn't receive the most sets, she made sure to make every touch make an impact. Vondrak has been a huge asset to Gillette and her presence is undeniable!  

Dawson's chance to redeem themselves was denied during Gillette's second game. Going 25-19, 25-19, and 25-23, it really came down to who made the least errors. Our pins kept front row strong leading in attacks. However, our setters, Fabiola Acety and Tatum Gardner, stepped up big time on defense sharing 13 digs. These two have shown tremendous efforts in keeping versatility alive amongst the Lady Pronghorns.  

The Saints were aligned in march and gave Gillette a bit of a stir during the Pronghorns' third game in Powell. Going to 5 sets, our Lady Pronghorns were finally able to pull the 'W' at 3-2. Their first set started off close going 27-29. They were able to come on top for set 2, but by set 3 Carroll brought down Gillette going 25-16. Coach Julia Machin shared her thoughts on adjustment for the remainder of the game.  "I am always thinking tactically about where we are scoring and where we are getting beat as the match goes on. After losing the 3rd, I knew we had to mix up the lineup. Once we flipped which pin Mackenzie King was on and put Kinley Solem back on right side, we really started to expose weaknesses in their block." She exclaimed that "that's what so fun about this team, several of these girls can play multiple positions well. The ladies were able to use Machin's adjustments and guidance and fight for the overall win.  

Although they kept us at the edge of our seats for their last appearance in Powell against Rocky Mountain, Gillette was able to dominate 3-0 before their trip back home. Page Rediesel lit up the floor with a whopping 16 kills! While our libero, Francesca Gazani, gave it all on defense. With our returning setter, Fabiola Acety, sitting out to rest her knee, Tatum Gardner and Hannah Fiefia had to step up and guide the floor. They did just that! Fiefia expressed that she was slightly "nervous and had a lot going through [her] mind." As soon as the team huddled and it was show-time, Fiefia's instinct took over and she "knew [she] was prepared to fill an important role."  

Yet another eventful and fulfilling weekend! Next stop... Torrington, Wyoming.