Your future, our focus
NWC battling injuries as schedule continues to get tougher
By DAVID DICKEY
Powell Tribune Sports Editor
The Sheridan College Generals invaded Hank Cabre Gymnasium Tuesday and swept the Northwest College Lady Trappers 30-21, 30-24, 30-22.
The Generals took advantage of an injury-riddled Lady Trapper squad, which has sustained a number of injuries to key starters since the start of the season. Most recently, NWC lost the services of Maddie Peterson and Kim Suter, both freshmen from Soda Springs, Idaho. Peterson, who is battling an ankle sprain, hopes to be back in the lineup later this week. Suter, who suffered a shoulder injury, is still awaiting word on the severity of her condition.
NWC head coach Jesseca Cross said the rash of injuries has taken its toll on her squad.
"It's tough because we've had to change our lineup so much," Cross said. "It's hard to develop any kind of consistency when that happens. We've got girls playing in positions they've never played before, but it's something we've had to do because of all the injuries we've had.
"When you're out there playing, it's good when you can look at the players around you and know what everyone's strengths and weaknesses are. When you have that type of familiarity, it's easier to work together because everybody knows what they need to do to in order to overcome those weaknesses and take advantage of those strengths."
But even in the face of adversity, the Lady Trappers have proven to Cross and NWC assistant
coach Tammy Hays that they have willingness to overcome whatever setbacks they are dealt.
As they did during the match losses last week to Central Wyoming College and Western Wyoming Community College, the Lady Trappers remained unified and provided the home fans with spirited play, according to Cross.
"These girls have been through a lot, but they've done a great job of supporting each other," Cross said.
Cross and Hays noted that sophomore Whitnie McDonald has been one of the players who has stepped in and played a major role as a leader. Because of the constant shuffling of the lineup, McDonald, a sophomore from St. George, Utah, has done everything she can to help. When a player has been thrust into an unfamiliar position, McDonald has been quick to offer any assistance she can.
"She's always talking and doing what she can to help," Hays said. "It's important to have that kind of leadership."
McDonald again was one of the top players for NWC Tuesday night. She finished with a team high nine kills and added seven digs, a solo block and an assisted block.
NWC Angela Schuman added four kills and finished with 17 assists and assisted on four blocks.
Breanne Robirds added seven digs, three kills, one solo block and one assisted block, while Charcie Peabody had three kills, two aces and 10 digs. Jennifer McKibben recorded three service aces, and Shawna Sutherland added four assisted blocks.
Up next: The Lady Trappers (5-21) are scheduled to open play in the Wyoming-Nebraska
Shootout in Torrington Thursday (today). The tournament will continue through Saturday.