Wildcats wrap up volleyball season

In a final week of game time, the Custer Jr./Sr. High School volleyball team wrapped up the season with two region matches. 
First, the Wildcats faced the Belle Fourche Broncs Tuesday, Nov. 3 in the Custer Armory for the first round of region play. 
“I was really impressed with the girls and their overall performance. I think they did a great job of taking advantage of playing on their home court, enjoying the moment and having fun while still staying focused and taking care of their responsibilities on the court. It was fun to see them compete with confidence and enjoy playing together,” said Custer head coach Shayna Young. 
Custer fell behind early on in the first set, but pushed through until the set was tied. A momentum driver for the Wildcats was when Rylan Lowe prepared a set at the net. While Broncs ran to cover one side, Lowe set the ball backward to Molly Frederick-Medlen, who sent a kill past the Broncs’ defense. 
“I definitely think this play helped spark some energy for our team. The girls have worked on back-row attacks in practice, but haven’t always been confident enough to use them in games. Our back-row players also enjoy getting the opportunity to hit, so it was fun to see them get set up, take advantage of those opportunities and realize how successful that part of our offense can be,” said Young. 
Custer won the set 25-19, with the Broncs’ final serve hitting the net.
In the second set, Custer took an early lead, sitting 18-9 when a second timeout was called. 
Young said, “I think our back row played a huge role in this match, as they do in every game because they are the ones who get each play started. They were a little slow to get going early on, but after making a few adjustments during a timeout, they really turned things around. They started getting passes right to Rylan, which allowed us to run our offense more effectively and put our hitters in a better position to be successful.”
The Wildcats took set two 25-15. In the third and final set, the Broncs took the early lead until the game was tied 11-11. Then, the Wildcats started gaining momentum.
“The Broncs had a few strong hitters and put up some solid blocks that caught us off guard at times. Thankfully, those were things we had prepared for and worked on in practice, so the girls were able to make adjustments and respond well throughout the match,” said Young. 
The Wildcats won the third set 25-18. 
This was the final volleyball game of the season hosted at the Custer Armory. Reflecting on this, Young wanted to thank the community for the support it showed the program and the athletes throughout the season. 
“The girls always loved playing in front of a gym full of fans, and it meant so much to have people there cheering them on. We truly appreciated everyone who took the time to come out and support us throughout the season,” said Young. 
It was also the last time the team’s eight seniors would play on their home court. 
“Losing this group of seniors is definitely bittersweet. They were freshmen when I first started coaching in Custer, so getting to watch them grow into the young women and leaders they are today has been so special. They have helped pave the way for the girls coming up behind them and have set a high standard for our program. They are such a kind, hardworking and talented group, and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to coach them. I am excited to see where life takes each of them and all the wonderful things they go on to accomplish,” said Young. 
The Wildcats headed into the second round of region play Thursday, Nov. 5 at St. Thomas More (STM), facing the Cavaliers for the third time this season. 
“Coming into the match, STM was the top-ranked team in our region and ranked third in the state, while we were ranked fourth in our region and 24th in the state. We knew we were going up against a strong team, but we also knew we were capable of competing with them,” said Young. 
Young said the Cavaliers are a well-rounded and talented team with a strong front row and a back row that picks up anything sent its way. 
“They move together so well on the court, almost as one unit. It’s clear they have a lot of trust in one another and know each other’s tendencies, which is a huge advantage for them as a team,” said Young. 
Custer’s back row responded, picking up some of STM’s tougher hits according to Young. 
“Our front row was also able to get a few blocks up, which helped tremendously, and we had some really good offensive opportunities. Our serving was much more consistent as well. I think where we struggled most was finishing plays and finding open areas on STM’s side of the court. We would put together some great rallies or find ourselves with prime opportunities to score, but STM’s quick defense made it difficult for us to capitalize on those moments,” said Young. 
Ultimately, the Wildcats lost to the Cavaliers in three, going 25-15, 25-9 and 25-10.
“I was obviously bummed with the outcome and season being over, but I couldn’t have been prouder of the girls and the way they competed. Although the final score may not have reflected it, they played hard and made STM work for every point. I think our team has improved tremendously since the last time we faced them, and we showed that we are capable of competing at a high level. We made them battle for that win, and I hope the girls recognize how much growth and progress they’ve made,” said Young. 
That’s a wrap for the Wildcat volleyball season, and Young said it went well overall. 
“We faced some challenges along the way, but we were able to work through them together as a team and as a program. One of our biggest focuses heading into the season was staying connected and working as one group rather than as individuals, and I think we did a great job of accomplishing that. I saw a lot of growth in the girls, both on and off the court, and I think we as coaches learned and grew throughout the season as well. Overall, I think the girls have a lot to be proud of, and I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish together,” said Young.