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NWC Faces Trio Of Opponents in Miles City
By DAVID DICKEY
Powell Tribune Sports Editor
The Northwest College Lady Trappers got a boost Tuesday night at Hank Cabre Gymnasium when key starter Maddie Peterson returned to the lineup, but it still wasn't enough to overcome Casper College.
Peterson, a freshman standout who has been nursing an ankle sprain in recent weeks, added a much-needed presence along the front line for the Lady Trappers. But even with the 5-10 Peterson in the lineup along with 5-11 sophomore Shawna Sutherland, it wasn't enough for the Lady Trappers to overtake the squad from Casper, which boosted a playing rotation that included four players 6-0 or taller.
The Lady Trappers stayed with the Thunderbirds during game one before falling 30-19. In game two, however, NWC flirted with a win behind an enthusiastic team effort. Casper won the second game 33-31, and the hard-fought battle took its toll on NWC, which is still missing several players because of injuries.
The Thunderbirds, who substituted freely throughout the match, went on to claim the final game 30-13 by taking advantage of its deep lineup.
The Lady Trappers (7-24, 0-4) were led by Whitnie Mc- Donald, who finished with a team-high 11 kills, eight digs and one solo block. Sutherland added nine kills, three digs and assisted on three blocks. Breanne Robirds, a sophomore from Powell, finished with four kills, one service ace, 11 digs and one assisted block, while Peterson added two kills, one service ace and nine digs.
NWC's Charcie Peabody recorded seven digs and one assisted block, and Angela Schuman paced the Lady Trappers in assists with 23. Shuman also had two kills, a solo block and two assisted blocks.
Up next: The Lady Trappers are scheduled to travel to Miles City, Mont., for the Miles City Triangular Friday. NWC will open the event against Southeast Nebraska at 4 p.m. and follow with a 6 p.m. contest against Great Falls and an 8 p.m. match against Miles City.
NWC head coach Jesseca Cross said earlier this week that the Lady Trappers will again be facing teams with more depth and size during the event in Miles City.
"Pretty much every team we play is taller than us, so it's important for us to maintain our energy level," Cross said. "We also have to shut down our opponents outside hitters so we can take away their confidence."
With Peterson back in the lineup, Cross believes the Lady Trappers will be stronger along the front line. She also hopes to have the services of Kim Suter, who also has missed considerable playing time in recent weeks due to a shoulder injury. Suter played in a limited role Tuesday night and is still trying to get back up to speed as far as her timing.
Next week, the Lady Trappers are scheduled to play three matches. This first will be at Western Wyoming, Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 6 p.m. NWC will close the week with home matches against Laramie County (Friday, Oct. 5 at 7 p.m.) and Eastern Wyoming (Saturday, Oct. 6 at 3 p.m.).