Lady Plainsmen Shutdown Rawlins In Home Opener [VIDEO]

Behind the play of senior Jennifer Aadland and freshman Alexis Stucky the Laramie Lady Plainsmen volleyball team beat Rawlins in their home debut Tuesday night.

Laramie (7-5) atoned for a loss to the Outlaws during their opening weekend of action at a tournament in Cheyenne. The Lady Plainsmen came out with a 3-1 win. Scores of the match were 25-17, 25-11, 11-25, and 25-16.

Here is the match point served up by Stucky.

Laramie coach Becky Baker admitted they wanted this match.

“We played them in Cheyenne and I don’t think we showed up for that game. I think we have come so far in just a week’s time, and I think this game was a pretty good representation of that. Also, a good representation of things still to work on, but overall I was really proud of the girls. I think it meant a lot to them.

Aadland had 10 kills, three blocks, six digs, and a service ace. Stucky contributed all-around with 9 kills, six blocks, and six digs. She added three service aces and nine assists.

Stucky said they were definitely out for some payback.

“We worked really hard to (get ready) to play against them again.”

As for some of the keys in the victory, Stucky said, “The team blocked really well and we served really tough.”

Baker said of the 1-2 punch, “They’re both a big presence in the front. I think truly though it all comes from that balanced piece. It’s really easy to get focused on those two things, but those two pieces don’t work if the other ones aren’t. It’s really great having them and they’re great leaders and, of course, do great things physically, but what I love the most is what team players they are. They are always there for their teammates.”

Junior Jessica Crane added five kills off the bench. Freshman libero Halley Feezer led the defense with 17 digs. Senior Jacqueline Murdock ran the offense and finished with 15 assists.

After 12 matches over a 12-day span, Laramie gets a break in their schedule and doesn’t play until next Thursday, Sept. 13.

Coach Baker added, “I never complain about having more time to work on things. I think it’s going to allow us to really get to some of those little things that I’ve had to continue to put off just to make sure we’re game-ready. So I think it’s going to be a good opportunity for us to improve on some of the little things that I still see us struggling with, in the game.”

The Lady Plainsmen will open 4A Southeast Conference action versus Cheyenne East at home Sept. 13 at 6 p.m.