The Rustler volleyball team struggled over the weekend, losing two conference games at home.  Kayla Coles led the way for the Rustlers on Thursday against Casper, with 14 kills and 4 solo blocks.  Alyssa Barkhurst had a tremendous game, adding 11 kills to the team total of 48 kills.  The girls put up a fight, but ended up losing to Casper College in four sets (25-23, 25-18, 24-26, 25,21).  

"We did some great things against Casper tonight as far as fighting back, but we weren't good enough and we need to be more consistent.  These other teams aren't more talented than we are, we just need the desire to win and have to believe in ourselves.  Alyssa came out and shined tonight and she will be one of our outside hitters in the future.  Jensen did a good job tonight and she is the kind of player who's really nice to have.  She does a good job of balancing out Kayla." --Coach Gallard.

The Lady Rustlers had to turn around and play Sheridan College at home on Saturday.  They played hard, but ended losing in three close sets (25-22, 25-23, 25-22).  Rylee Burmester shined, as she had 14 total kills.  Riley Haderlie and Brooklenn Thompson were both contributing factors in keeping the Rustlers in the game, as Riley had 26 assists and Brooklenn had 15 digs.

"The girls worked hard, but they made 25 mistakes against Sheridan.  Although we are 2 points away from the win, it is not good enough.  The girls have made progress and this is what I am looking for as their coach.  We will continue to build up our team and make baby steps to the top.  We have found many ways that it doesn't work, which will only lead us to a true solution in the end.  I am proud of the fight my team carries through every match and almost every point!" -Coach Gallard.

For a link to photos, click here.  *Photo credit - Laura Phagan