Lady Huskies shine in Cowley

The Lady Huskies saw their first competition of the season at the North Big Horn Invitational in Cowley. During pool play, Burlington defeated Greybull in two games, 25-22, 25-16, and then met a challenge with Tongue River. “They had some great hitters that really put our defense to work,” said Coach Erin Bassett. “It took us most of the first set to adjust and settle in. I was really proud of our girls — they never backed down and hustled through the entire game.” Burlington lost to the Eagles in the first set 16-25, won the second 25-21 and narrowly lost the third 13-15. 

The last game of pool play was against Riverside, which Burlington defeated 25-19, 25-16 to secure their spot in the Gold bracket. 

Rocky Mountain was first up for the Lady Huskies on Saturday; they persisted once again and defeated Rocky in two games, 25-21, 25-23 and then immediately played Tongue River again for the championship. 

“They caught us on our heels and we struggled to get it turned around in the first set” Bassett said. “I was really proud of the grit the girls showed; despite a rough first set, they dug in and fought back into the game in the second set.” 

Burlington lost both games,25-11, 25-23. 

“Overall I was pleased with the team and their efforts,” Bassett said. “First tournaments are always a little nerve wracking. Everyone is trying to get back into the groove. Running new rotations, exposing areas that have holes, remembering how to regulate adrenaline and energy —when to turn it on, when to rest. There is a lot to manage. I thought our girls did a really good job of trying to push when it was time and keeping their intensity up.

“Throughout the weekend, everyone had great moments. Paxton Philpott continues to be a threat at the net as well as a great defensive player in the back row, she also had a great weekend from the service line. Sarah McNiven is a force, her intensity and drive alone are impressive but add that to her height and skill and she is a game changer. Naomi McNiven has always been one of our best defenders and consistent servers; she showed this again this weekend and she covered from one side of the court to the other. Hailee Winterholler and Dalley Bassett are playing new positions this year and are settling in well, they are both strong servers and we look forward to watching them grow in their new roles. Adison Haslam continues to quietly do a great job as our setter, she has a lot of options when it comes to hitters and she does a great job making decisions and getting the ball to someone to put away. Eve McNulty and Orabella Heaton are our defensive specialists and do a great job of stepping in and keeping the ball off our floor. Eve also had a great weekend from the service line.” 

The Lady Huskies will compete in the Wind River Tournament this Friday and Saturday and will host Greybull on Tuesday, Sept. 9 with JV starting at 4 and varsity at 5:30 p.m.