Lady Buffs back on top in 2A West

The Buffs are regional champs!

Greybull’s volleyball team knocked out three straight matches in three sets to win the Class 2A West Regional volleyball tournament in Lander this weekend, fortifying their place at the top following a 6-0 conference finish last week. 

“It was a great weekend and I think we played very focused and with purpose,” coach Sara Schlattmann said. “We have been working really hard to improve this season and better compete with the best teams in the state.  I love that the girls believed in their ability and then just took care of business.”

On Friday, the Buffs topped the No. 4 from the Southwest, Wind River, 25-15, 25-12 and 25-14, followed by a match with Shoshoni which Greybull won 25-18, 25-17, 25-15. Saturday, they faced their biggest competition in the west, Big Piney, and downed them 25-19, 25-15, 25-11 to clinch the regional title. 

Schlattmann noted that serving over the weekend was greatly improved from the week prior, up to 90%. Perla Rodriguez dished out eight aces, with the majority of the team meeting their 90% serving goal. Setter Wyatt Whaley put up 97 assists, leading to 41 kills from Rodriguez, 28 from Marlee Henson, 20 from Ellie Holloway, 13 from Camila Acuna and eight from Caitlyn Hunt. 

On defense, libero Shayne Cheatham led with 48 digs, followed by Holloway with 30 and Rodriguez with 27. Henson closed four blocks. 

“I want to credit our players on the bench who were just high energy all weekend.  They certainly make a difference,” Schlattmann said. 

The Buffs will return to state after a one-year hiatus. 

“This is a new experience for many of these girls, who would not have had a lot of varsity experience their freshmen and sophomore year,” Schlattmann said.

The last volleyball state title for Greybull was won in 1988 under coach Dan Close. The nearest the Buffs have come in recent memory was a fourth-place finish in 2018. 

“It has been too long, that I know,” Schlattmann said. “I think we have a group of athletes that can go and compete and I am excited for that.”  

The Buffs will first face No. 4 in the East Pine Bluffs at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6. Early this season, Greybull took on Pine Bluffs in the Big Horn Tournament and dropped the best-of-three match. Schlattmann noted that their adversary boasts strong attackers and tough serves, which the Buffs match well. 

“I think that there is no clear favorite, but it will certainly be very challenging.  I think we are up for it!  Our team just continues to improve,” Schlattmann said. 

It would take three wins over the weekend for Greybull to take home the title on Saturday. They  would likely have to deal with Sundance, No. 1 seed from the East, to accomplish that goal.

“The state tournament will be tough competition as all the teams on the east side are highly competitive.  I definitely think we set ourselves up the best we could,” Schlattmann said. “I think we have a group of athletes that can go and compete and I am excited for that.”