The Bronc Volleyball season has come to an end in the second round of Region playoffs. Here’s a recap of the final three games for the purple and white.
The Broncs took on Hill City on the Ranger’s senior night losing 3 sets to 1 for their final regular season match up. Scores were 26-24, 22-25, 25-11, and 25-15. Sloan Young had a double double with 10 kills and 12 digs. Reese Larson dished out 24 assists and Avery Cherveny had 15 digs. Denali Larson added in 3 blocks. Ward led the offensive charge with 18 kills.
Number 3 seeded Belle Fourche then took on the playoff part of the season. They hosted number 6, St Thomas More, for a first-round match up.
The Cavaliers went point for point with the Broncs before gathering a few small runs to take the first set 25-21. The home team in white didn’t hesitate, though, and came back with a vengeance to win set 2 with a score of 25-14. Set three went into volleyball overtime but after a long back and forth battle, Belle Fourche again came out two points ahead at 28-26. Set three saw a much more settled herd of Broncs as they secured set 4 with a score of 25-16 and the match 3-1. Reese Larson was 24/25 with 6 aces from the serving line and also set up for 51 assists. Cherveny had 19 digs. The power outside dual of Ward and Young each had double-double nights. Young with 18 kills and 17 digs, and Ward contributing 30 kills and 23 digs.
The Belle Fourche Volleyball team then headed up to Hill City, a team they lost in 4 to just the week before. The winner of the match advanced to Sodak 16 playoffs for a chance to play in the Class A State Championship. After a tough first set loss 14-25, the Broncs came back to secure the win of set two 25-20. They however fell short in sets three and four with scores of 25-20 and 25-21.
The Rangers were at a score of 24-17 when Sarah Juelfs took the serving line. They played errorless for 4 points in a row before the team in yellow and green had to take a time out. They finally finished out the match. The heart shown by the Broncs in not only those final points, but the whole match was something to be proud of. Ward put out another grand performance for her final high school volleyball game with 15 digs and 21 kills. Young threw in another 12 kills from R Larson’s 31 assists. The Larson sisters each had 4 blocks and Juelfs was 21/21 with 1 ace from the line. R Larson also had 14 digs for a double double on the night. Cherveny had 19 digs.
The Broncs say farewell to their eight senior players and 2 senior managers who have dedicated their time and effort to the volleyball program.
They each bought into their role and did their best to make the team the best they could be. They close out the season with a 21-12 record and putting Coach Schlichtemeier on her way to joining the 500 wins club, securing 421 career wins.
The team awards night will take place for families in the early winter months of 2024.
