Laramie Victory Puts Them in Semifinals

The Laramie Lady Plainsmen won their opening round match at the state tournament for the first time since 2011 Thursday night at the Casper Events Center.

Laramie (15-18) defeated Kelly Walsh in five sets for the first victory over the Trojans in four tries this season.

Scores of the match were 25-20, 20-25, 25-20, 19-25 and 15-13.

Sophomore Caely Pickerd led L-H-S with 11 kills. Sophomore Katie Welniak added seven kills, while sophomore Shyann Bastian and freshmen Jennifer Aadland had six kills apiece. Bastian also finished with 46 assists from the setter position, while senior Sara Gabriel served for six aces.

The Lady Plainsmen will take on Evanston (22-7) for the first time this season in the semifinals Friday at 6 p.m.

The other class 4-A semi has Cheyenne East taking on Natrona County.

Rock River

The Lady Longhorns lost their first round match in the 1-A bracket at state volleyball. Rock River was swept by Encampment, 7-25, 14-25 and 12-25.

Rock River (16-9) will play Cokeville in a consolation match at 2:30 p.m. Friday in Casper.