Lady Tigers Aces First Conference Win

Encampment Lady Tigers volleyball won their first conference game in the 1A Southwest Conference Friday night at the Encampment K-12 gym.

The team beat Fort Washakie Eagles in three sets 25-10, 25-10 and 25-17. Fort Washakie competed in the Northwest division last year with a conference record of 2-8. This year, they were moved into the 1A Southwest division.

After finishing with a 1-7 conference record last fall in the 1A Southwest division, the Lady Tigers are returning to the court this year with a more seasoned team.

At the end of last season, Coach Janice Peterson was already looking toward the 2024 season. Almost all of last season’s Lady Tigers returned this year, with the exception of two foreign exchange students.

Kristie Jordan finished strong last season leading with her digs. Sami Anderson and Eckerley Pickett lead the team in serves and Kyenna Jackson led in blocks and assists.

Peterson said that with another year to mature on the court she was looking forward to a strong 2024 season.

The 1A Southwest Conference is the toughest conference to be in with big hitters like Cokeville, Little Snake River Valley, Farson-Eden and Saratoga.

With all the players returning from last year and two added freshman, Peterson saw her hopes become reality at the first game of the season Friday night.

Even though Encampment has a short bench, the players have worked to do what is best for the team, Peterson said.

“We were finding better use of their skills, and they are willing to work as a team,” Peterson said.

That sentiment showed with the team serving 90% Friday.

“We will continue to improve on serving,” Peterson said.

She was also happy with the kill percentage at 50%, which means the team made a point with every kill. “That’s pretty good,” Peterson said.

Individually, the players had a great night. Senior Kyenna Jackson had a 100% serving stat, which Sami Anderson at 96%. Anderson also served 14 aces. “She is a very powerful server,” Peterson said. “She is able to place the ball where teams have a difficult time returning.”

Regin Stewart had a near perfect serve reception and her passes were near perfect too, Peterson said.

Eckerley Pickett led the team in kills at 75% with Kristie Jordan at 58% and Jackson at 56%.

Peterson hopes the team will continue to be strong as they compete in one of the strongest volleyball conferences in the state.

“We have four conference games in September and we will keep building our moves from offense to defense so that it is more automatic.”

Overall, Peterson was pleased with everyone of her players having time at the net.

With six teams in the conference, Peterson believes it puts a little more pressure on the players to be in the top four. “Over time, the Fort Washakie team will be continue to build their program. With Fort Washakie being in a stronger conference, Peterson expects them to become better over the season.

The next game for the Lady Tigers is in Baggs, Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 5 p.m.