Riverside netters capture Northwest conference title

The Lady Rebels secured the Northwest Conference title and are the No. 1 seed heading into the Class 1A West Regional this weekend after wrapping up an undefeated conference season with two victories against Meeteetse and Dubois.
Riverside finished strong with a 10-0 record in conference play and a 16-12-2 standing overall.
The Lady Rebels beat Meeteetse handily on their home court in three sets, 25-10, 25-18, 25-13. Anna Stone and Varissa Olsen served 100% from behind the line, and Stone, Brooklynn Paxton and Vinaya VanderPloeg made four aces apiece.
VanderPloeg contributed 20 kills and eight digs to the game. Paxton made eight kills and put up 16 digs. Dakota Cervantes provided 24 assists.
The Lady Rebels penned a similar story at their Senior Night game against Dubois. They triumphed over the Lady Rams in a three setter, 25-15, 25-15, 25-20, thanks in part to strong serving. Cervantes, Stone and Kennedy Bassett served 100%. Paxton chalked up six aces on the scoreboard and Olsen had three.
Consistent offensive and defensive play have been the name of Riverside’s game all season. VanderPloeg put down 14 kills against Dubois, with Paxton adding 12 kills and 21 digs. Stone also contributed 11 digs, and Cervantes provided 25 of the team’s 29 assists.
“We have had a great season and have grown so much in the last couple weeks. I am excited for what regional and state brings us!” said VanderPloeg.
Eight teams will compete at the Class 1A West Regional Volleyball Tournament in Riverton, with games scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
Riverside’s first regional match is at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 27 against Encampment, the No. 4 seed from the southwest. The match will be in the high school gymnasium.
“Tournament time is the beginning of a new season,” said coach Cindi Smith. “We need to be ready to play each time we step on the court, utilizing the strengths of our team.”
Win or lose, the Lady Rebels will play again at 4:30 p.m., facing either Little Snake River or Burlington. The winners will play at the high school, the losers at the middle school.
The goal is to win two before you lose two. The top four teams earn a trip to the upcoming state tournament on Nov. 2-4 in Casper.
“Our focus is to work hard and play to our fullest potential as a team. It is important for us to stay aggressive while making good decisions on the ball,” Smith said.