Ending on a high note

Though high school volleyball may be approaching the end of its season, the Lady Panthers of Saratoga Middle School have ended theirs with a 13-1 record and a championship win.

The only loss they suffered over their season was when they were hosted by a Laramie team. Other than that, they went through their nearly undefeated season dispatching the opposing teams in just two sets.

“This group of girls played incredible together,” said Head Coach Jamie Lee. “They did also beat Laramie in two when they played here in Saratoga. There were a few factors that contributed to the loss in Laramie, but they still played great.”

With their near perfect record, the Saratoga Middle School A-Team went into the conference tournament—held on October 7 in Encampment—as the number one seed. This, said Lee, also allowed the B-Team to complete in the tournament as the number six seed.

The A-Team handled their competition like they had all season, making their way to take on Rock River to determine who would advance to the championship match. Saratoga took down Rock River and faced off against Little Snake River Valley.

“This was a very close, hard fought game and the Saratoga Panthers came out on top,” said Lee. “There were many long rallies and hard fought sets that the girls powered through to win.”

The B-Team also saw success in the tournament. Going in as the number six seed, they first faced Encampment and were dealt a loss.

“They shoo their nerves and jitters out in the first games,” said Lee.

Saratoga’s B-Team then went on to face Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow for the consolation championships, dealing them a loss.

“The girls really showed teamwork and controlled their nerves to beat HEM, finishing in 5th place,” said Lee.

With the season ending on a high note, it may also be good news for Saratoga High School, as this team of undefeated 8th graders may decide play in the “big leagues” next year as freshman.

“These 8th grade girls worked hard all season long, putting in hours all summer and even after practice. They are a very special team with amazing abilities. Combined as one they are a strong, resilient team,” said Lee. “They delivered everything they had on the court in the final game.”