Your future, our focus
The Northwest College volleyball team will head into the Region IX North Tournament as the No. 2 seed on the heels of a three-game winning streak.
The Trappers clinched the second seed in their final regular season match, a three-set victory over the Sheridan Generals Oct. 30.
Northwest will face the No. 7 Eastern Wyoming (based in Torrington) Wednesday in the tourney’s first round. Northwest defeated the Lancers twice during the regular season, both in straight sets.
NWC head coach Shaun Pohlman said earning the second seed puts the Trappers in a favorable position heading into the postseason.
“That gives us a little bit more flexibility to feel the pressure but be able to work through it,” Pohlman said.
If the Trappers win Wednesday they will advance to play the winner of No. 3 Casper versus No. 6 Laramie County.
No matter who Northwest plays, Pohlman said it will be up to the Trappers to play with the passion needed to win.
“It will work out in the favor of those that want it the most,” Pohlman said. “I just know that if our team plays the way they’re completely capable of playing it’s going to be hard to stop us.”
Sheridan couldn’t stop the Trappers last week.
Sophomore Ana Jakovljevic led the team with 13 kills, 10 digs, three aces and two block assists.
Sophomore Felicity Zegarelli had six kills and 10 digs.
Freshman Krystalyn Sloan recorded six kills and no errors on 16 attempts. She also pitched in two block assists.
Nicoleta Titonea had five kills, one solo block and two block assists. Megan Huddleston added three kills and no errors on four attempts.
Sophomore setter Mikaela Heble averaged 11 assists per set, and totalled 33. Heble also served three aces.
Freshman libero Elisa Brooks contributed 18 digs.
The team took Thursday and Friday off and resumed practice over the weekend.
Pohlman said the Trappers are keeping the intensity at a high level during practice in order to prepare for the atmosphere at regionals.
“It’s a lot higher intensity and a lot more pressure,” Pohlman said. “We’re wanting to get the mistakes out (now).”
Western Wyoming (of Rock Springs) enters the tournament the presumptive favorites. The Mustangs are ranked fifth in the nation and are the North’s No. 1 seed.
As the No. 2 seed the Trappers will avoid Western for at least two rounds.
“I’m thankful for the hard work we’ve put in during the season,” Pohlman said. “We still have to do our job.”
That job starts with a match against the host Lancers (9-25, 1-11 in conference during the regular season).
Pohlman thanked the NWC faculty and staff for their help in balancing the busy lives of academically focused student athletes.
“And a huge thank you to the Powell community for their support during our season,” he added.