Cowgirls Come Up Short Against Circle

Culbertson’s successful volleyball season came to an end against Circle in loser- out action at the Eastern C divisional tournament in Sidney on Friday, Nov. 5. The Cowgirls lost by an 18-25, 1925, 25-23, 19-25, final.

After dropping the first two sets, Culbertson gained a 10-8 lead in the third set on a kill by Destiny Thompson. With the score even at 15-15, the Cowgirls went ahead on a hit by Kenadee Kempton.

Circle grabbed an 18-16 lead, but Culbertson responded with a block by Makena Hauge, a kill by Kempton, an ace by Hauge and a kill by Thompson for a 20-18 advantage.

The Cowgirls, playing without junior Koree Marchwick due to injury, earned a 22-20 lead on Alicyn Ator’s service. A hit by Hauge put Culbertson ahead 23-22 en route to the 25-23 win.

In the fourth set, the Cowgirls fell behind early but tied the score at 14-14 on kills by Hauge and Thompson. After another kill by Thompson put the score at 16-16, the Wildcats gained a 21-17 advantage.

Kills by Hauge kept Culbertson close at 23-19, but Circle won by the 25-19 final.

Hauge led the Cowgirls with 12 kills, 29 digs and six blocks. Kempton finished with 12 assists. Hauge served four aces and Perla Burciaga added three aces.

Leaders for Circle included Kayli Haynie with 16 kills and Landynn White with two blocks. Alexis Moline finished with 19 assists and 19 digs. Sierra Nagle added 19 assists. Grace Gackle had 19 digs.