Wheatland Lady Bulldogs earn No. 1 seed in upcoming regional tournament

Mark DeLap
Posted 10/25/22

Lady Bulldogs seeded No. 1 in upcoming regional tournament

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Wheatland Lady Bulldogs earn No. 1 seed in upcoming regional tournament

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WHEATLAND – The Wheatland High School Lady Bulldogs who have been enjoying the last few weeks as the No. 3 team in the state’s 3A conference ended the regular season on a high note, defeating conference opponent Rawlins Friday night and non-conference team Moorcroft on the road Saturday.

For the WHS Bulldog Volleyball team, it was also senior night Friday, Oct. 21 and the seniors were honored before they played their last regular season home game. 

The Bulldogs celebrated seven seniors:  Kendall Schaffner, Grace Battershell, Hadley Paisley, Alley Gunter, Brinley Heimsoth, Mylie Benson and Alex Paulson. 

“These young ladies have had a great season and their parents, boosters, and community really showed them support,” said head coach Sally Nichols. “The gym was decorated to the nines, the theme was a nod to Top Gun, as the seniors donned special "wingman" warmup tops and the student section imitated Top Gun actors sporting aviators and mustaches.  It was quite the show.” 

All three levels came away with victories.  The varsity won in three with scores of: 25-13, 25-12 and 25-14.  Leading the way on offense were Schaffner and Paisley each with eight kills, Anna Matthews with five kills and Gavrielle Dawson added four kills.  Battershell dished out 25 assists on the night.  On defense Paisley and Schaffner each tallied 12 digs, and Gunter added 11 digs.  Battershell and Paisley each added three aces.  Matthews and Lily Nichols had two blocks a piece. 

“It was a great night to send off a fantastic group of young women and very talented volleyball players,” Nichols said.

Saturday the WHS crew traveled to Moorcroft for their best battle yet.  All three teams came home with victories, but it was a true five-set test for the varsity. 

“The Bulldogs have faced off against their opponent on three senior nights,” Nichols said. “And this one the seniors of Moorcroft did not want to let go.  The scores were: 23-25, 25-13, 25-16, 23-25 and 18-16.  The gals battled hard for every point they earned.  Defense and blocking were key to their success, along with pivotal well-placed shots on offense.” 

Nichols led the way in blocks with 12, Matthews added eight blocks, Battershell tallied six blocks, and Desirae Iacovetto and Dawson each had 4 blocks.  Schaffner fought for 22 digs, Gunter added 12 digs, Battershell added 12 digs, and Heimsoth got up 12 digs as well.  Laynie Goertz had a strong serving night earning three aces.  Battershell chipped in 40 assists. 

This match concluded the Bulldogs regular season posting a 6-0 record in the 3A Southeast conference, plus a 4-0 record in the Northeast region, and a total of 22-8 up to this date. 

“Come out and support our gals on Friday at 10 a.m. as they take on the Glenrock Herders in the first match of the regional tournament hosted by Wheatland High School,” Nichols said.