Lady Plainsmen and Lady Longhorns Will Go to State

After missing state last year, the Laramie Lady Plainsmen are going back to Casper this year.

They won two big games at the 4-A East Regional Volleyball tournament last Friday to qualify for this year’s state tournament. Laramie took fourth place.

The Lady Plainsmen won their opening match in a three-set sweep of Cheyenne South. Scores went 25-11, 25-23 and 25-17. They qualified with a four-set win over Sheridan. Scores of that match were 25-22, 25-20, 16-25 and 29-27.

First-year Laramie head coach Becky Stewart said the goal was to get back to state.

“As much as it feels good for me, I think it’s more important how it feels to the girls. It means so much to them, and they put so much work in this season. To reach that goal is awesome, and now we’re ready to focus on the next one.”

As well as Friday went, Saturday was tough. The Lady Plainsmen lost to Gillette in four sets, and then got swept by Sheridan in the third place match.

Laramie will face Kelly Walsh in the first round of the state tournament Thursday at 6 p.m.

Rock River

The Rock River Lady Longhorns are headed to the state tournament for the first time since 2004.

Rock River took fourth place at the 1-A East Regional Volleyball Tournament in Rawlins last weekend.

They won their opening match last Friday against Hulett in four sets, but lost to Kaycee in the semifinals in four.

Saturday, Rock River got the single biggest win of their season with a four-set victory over H.E.M. They lost to Upton in three sets in the third place match.