(Lander, WY) – Lander won three of four at its own early-season invitational Friday and Saturday at Lander Valley High School, with the only loss coming in a five-set opener against Tongue River.
Ranging from 1A to 3A, the eight-team field included Tongue River, Worland, Pinedale, Big Piney, Thermopolis, Shoshoni and Farson-Eden.
That first match had everything but the finish for the Lady Tigers. Tongue River took the opening set 25-13, and Lander answered with a 26-24 win in the second. The third went back to Tongue River 25-21, and again the Lady Tigers responded, taking the fourth by that same 26-24 score to force a decider. The fifth got away in a hurry, with Tongue River closing it out 15-4.
Daisy Goklish celebrates a point with the Lady Tigers on their way to defeating Big Piney 3-1 at home. h/t Carl Cote The Lander student section cheers for their Lady Tigers during a timeout on the court Saturday afternoon in Lander. h/t Carl Cote Claire Waggoner sets the ball for the Lady Tigers Saturday against Big Piney. h/t Carl Cote Lily Gundey receives a serve for the Lady Tigers Saturday. h/t Carl Cote
Big Piney gave Lander a challenge early on in their last match. The Lady Tigers survived a 26-24 first set, gave one back 25-22, then took the third 25-23 before finally getting separation in the fourth, 25-17, to win the match 3-1.
The two sweeps looked easier for the ladies in green. Lander handled 2A Thermopolis 25-17, 25-20, 25-23, with only the third set staying tight down the stretch. The win over 2A Shoshoni was the most comfortable of the weekend at 25-11, 25-18, 25-19, and the margin never got under six.
Lander huddles during a timeout Friday afternoon in the auxiliary gym during the invitational. h/t Carl Cote Madi Arneach chases down a ball for the Lady Tigers. h/t Carl Cote Assistant coach Kassy Jarvis looks on as the Lady Tigers sweep Thermopolis Friday afternoon in Lander. h/t Carl Cote Kenna Clancy jumps high for a spike against Thermopolis Friday in Lander. h/t Carl Cote
Head coach Shannon Waggoner spent the weekend moving pieces around, trying different lineups and rotations to see what holds up. That is normal work for a first tournament, and the early returns were encouraging. The chemistry is already there in stretches, and the Lady Tigers looked comfortable with each other on the court no matter who was in it.
Three sets decided by two points and a fourth by three say plenty about where this team can be once it learns to close. Lander will look to build on that as the season gets going.