Lady Raiders win two of three

COZAD - Sidney's Lady Raiders took two out of three matches before losing a in a scrap with Ogallala here Saturday.

Sidney opened play with straight set wins, 25-12, 25-11 over Valentine, then downed Centura 25-19, 25-20.

Sidney got the upper hand in the final with Ogallala, winning the first set 25-22. Ogallala turned the tables in the second set with a 25-14 win, setting up the winner-take-all battle.

Ogallala just clipped the Lady Raiders in the see-saw battle 25-23.

"I was very proud of how well the ladies worked together as a team," said Sidney Coach Sarah Wilson. "Everyone played their roles and picked up where needed."

Sidney played much of the day short one of its leaders, Maddi Porter, who was taking ACT tests. Porter was able to play the championship match, and Wilson said she was happy with the way the team adjusted in the lineup.

Although disappointed with the hard-fought loss to Ogallala, Wilson said she was happy with the team's play.

"I'm happy that we have several players who can step up and attack aggressively, which enables us to really move the ball well along the net," Wilson said. "We did a great job of blocking, which was a key in keeping Ogallala from scoring. Annalise (Lecher) had a stellar blocking day.

"The ladies were scrappy on defense and really pursued each ball."

Alex Wamsley was among the Lady Raiders top performers, with 12 kills and 12 assists. Lecher contributed seven kills, an ace serve and eight stuff blocks. Katelyn Sylvester had an ace serve and set up Sidney hitters with 26 setter assists.

Sidney had a late game against Chadron yesterday, and is scheduled to play in triangular action in Gering tomorrow.