Encampment Lady Tigers refuse to lose

Saturday's game against Little Snake River Lady Rattlers will determine whether the Encampment High School Lady Tigers go to regionals as a No. 1 seed or No. 2 seed, Encampment Head Coach Robin O'Leary said. If they beat the Rattlers, they will tie for first and a coin toss will determine their placement at regionals.

The Lady Tigers (17-1, 4-0), racked up two more wins this past weekend against Rock River and North Park in four sets against both teams.

While neither team is in their conference, the Lady Tigers were able to not only test their skills, but their determination and spirit.

O'Leary said the girls were not playing up to their normal intensity, but that their spirits were up through both matches. "I admire the fact they didn't let a lot get them down," O'Leary said.

Rock River's defense was outstanding, O'Leary said. "There were some hard fought volleys between the two teams."

O'Leary said the team is still struggling with their serve/receives, and she intends to concentrate on that during practice. Even though the team didn't play at the higher level they are used to performing at, O'Leary said the girls still had some great hits.

"They didn't play terrible, they just weren't in the right groove," O'Leary said.

O'Leary discovered over the weekend her team doesn't fall apart when the going gets tough. "I admire them for keeping their composure, especially with high school sports."

Friday, the Lady Tigers will host Hanna Elk Mountain Medicine Bow at home and then travel to Baggs to play Little Snake River.

The last time the Lady Tigers played a conference game against Little Snake River was Sept. 12 and they had to fight for the win. "We did beat them, but they were close games," O'Leary said. In fact, one of those games went to a record-breaking 32 points for the Lady Tigers.

Circuits and cardios at the net will be the main focus this week. As the team gets closer to regionals, O'Leary finds opponents stepping up their programs and expects more competitive going into to regionals and state.

WyoPreps lists the Lady Tigers at No. 2 in the state. Hulett, of the Northeast conference holds the No. 1 spot. The Lady Tigers will not face the Hulett Lady Devils unless they meet at the state tournament.