Lady Rebels dominate weekend net play

The Riverside Lady Rebels remain undefeated in conference play after claiming victory over three conference opponents this past weekend.
The netters handed out defeats to Ten Sleep, Burlington and Fort Washakie, earning themselves an 8-0 record heading into their final week of conference play before the Class 1A/2A West Regional in Riverton next weekend.
“We are continuing to grow as a team on and off the court. It is important for us to pull together and build the strengths of each player,” said coach Cindi Smith.
The Rebels kicked off their winning weekend with a three-set triumph in Ten Sleep, 25-18, 25-11, 25-16.
Brooklynn Paxton and Vinaya VanderPloeg served 100%, and Josie Long joined them in contributing aces to the final scoreboard.
VanderPloeg made 25 kills and Paxton made 15. Anna Stone, VanderPloeg and Paxton led the team’s defensive effort with 14, 13 and 12 digs, respectively. Dakota Cervantes provided 39 of the team’s 42 assists.
The Rebels headed to Burlington on Friday for a rigorous match that went to five sets. Riverside lost the first set but battled back to take the second and third before claiming the fifth and final set and the game, 23-25, 25-18, 25-20, 21-25, 15-11.
“It was great to get experience playing in matches in which we had to show grit and determination. Five-set matches can be challenging and intense. We were proud of how the girls pushed through to win,” Smith said.
Team serving was down at 84%, but Melisa Martinez and Paxton both served 100% behind the line. Paxton had seven aces, and VanderPloeg added four.
VanderPloeg and Paxton continued their strong weekend showing. VanderPloeg made 17 kills and 22 digs, Paxton 14 kills and 17 digs. Cervantes also put her best foot forward, making 37 assists.
The Rebels returned from the road to host Fort Washakie on Saturday where they defeated the Lady Eagles in three blowout sets, 25-9, 25-6, 25-4.
The Rebels had a strong serving game, going 95% as a team behind the line. Cervantes and Johnna Clifford served 100% with five and four aces, respectively. Paxton, VanderPloeg and Varissa Olsen also put aces on the board.
VanderPloeg led the team’s offensive efforts with 14 kills, followed by Olsen with six and Paxton with five. Cervantes provided 23 assists.
With an eye on the conference title and a No. 1 seed for the regional tournament, the Rebels will complete their conference schedule this week on their home court. They host Meeteetse on Thursday (today) with games at 5 and 6 p.m. and will close out conference play with matches against Dubois at 4 and 5 p.m. on Friday.
The Rebels invite district elementary students to attend Pink Out on Thursday night where the players will give away children’s t-shirts and other treats, according to Smith.
The Friday matchup is Senior Night, and the program will honor the contributions of players Dakota Cervantes, Ciara Jacobs-Bousa, Mati Jones, Melisa Martinez and Anna Stone and manager Teagan Kozisek.