Lady Miners put in good first effort

The Hanna, Elk Mountain, Medicine Bow (HEM) Lady Miners volleyball team, under its new coach Tara Scott, had their first game on August 28 at Encampment High School to face the Lady Tigers.

The Lady Miners did not have their first win, but they could not have come much closer. The two teams went five sets before Encampment came out on top.

In the 1st set, the Lady Miners got ahead by 10 points quickly before the Lady Tigers answered back. HEM won 25-20.

The next set, although close had Encampment come out ahead 22-25.

HEM did not let the loss rattle them as they took the 3rd set 25-23.

Encampment also did not fold as they took the 4th set 24-26. The crowd was being treated to a barn burner.

The final game pleased the home crowd as the Lady Tigers came out on top 12-15.

HEM’s coach was not disappointed with how her team played, overall.

“We were down four players including one of our key varsity players in Charla Widdison,” Scott said. “I think she will be back in the lineup next week.”

With the game and scores being so close, Scott said she saw a lot of good things from her team.

“Sarah Sikes served really well for us,” Scott said. “I thought the girls saw the other side of the court really well and were able to place a lot of their serves which helped us out in scoring.”

Scott acknowledged there were areas the team needed work.

“This week we work on what needs to be addressed and hopefully come out better this weekend,” Scott said. “I thought Rainey (Wilson) and Avery (Scott) did a really good job of passing the ball to the setters and we got points off that. Encampment had some really powerful outside hitters and a great program and I am glad with their success.”

Scott is happy to be coaching the team when former coach Jackie Jones resigned this year.

“I love working with the girls and I am going to do my best to carry on the legacy that Jackie left behind, Scott said. “She taught the kids the skills they have and I am walking into a program I hope to carry on.”

Scott said although the Lady Miners did not win, she was very proud of them.

“They stay positive, which is a big focus for us,” Scott said. “Even when we got down, the girls were there building each other up. I was so proud of that.”

The next game will be at the Wind River Tournament in Pavillion September 3.