Something to prove

The Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) High School Lady Miners volleyball team had no doubt they were going to have a very tough road at State facing the Cokeville Lady Panthers in the their first competition.

They were not wrong as the Lady Panthers won 25-5, 25-10 and 25-9.

"Our eyes were opened early to volleyball on a big scale with the Cokeville Panthers," said coach Jackie Jones. "They are an amazing team, and in saying that, congratulations to Encampment for going the distance with them. Both of those teams have much to be proud of, for sure."

Cloe Olsen, starter for the volleyball team, said coach Jackie Jones told them after the game, that the Lady Panthers were physically a bigger and stronger team and that is why they could dominate. Without knowing the outcome of the weekend, Olsen said Jones told the team if she was in Las Vegas, she would bet it all on Cokeville winning the championship.

She would have won-as did the Lady Panthers.

Olsen said playing Rock River for the third time, had some good moments, but there was no doubt, losing to Cokeville had taken some wind out of their game. Rock River Lady Longhorns won 25-21, 25-17 and 25-17.

Olsen was not disappointed.

"We were a young team going into the year and what we learned this year is going to make us tougher next year," Olsen said.

Jones agreed.

"State was a great experience for a group of girls who have never been on that court," Jones said, "Our team is dedicated to getting better, putting in extra time, and developing themselves as athletes."

Jones was not discouraged with the year or team even though at State, Cokeville dominated them and the Lady Miners didn't go any further after meeting Rock River. She knows the team next year is out to prove they deserve to be in State again and go further in the competition.

"We are proud of what we accomplished, but we want more.