The second competition of the fall 2024 season saw the Rustler volleyball team take a trip to Twin Falls, Idaho for a tournament hosted by the College of Southern Idaho. The Starr Corp Invitational was a three-day tournament that hosted 13 junior college teams from all around the country.

Central Wyoming had two matches Friday morning, the first of the two being against Jefferson College. The Rustlers made quick work of the Jefferson Vikings, putting the game away in three straight sets (25-26, 25-23, 27-25). Outside hitter Khloe Hobson had an outstanding game for CWC, recording a team high 15 kills. Freshman Lindsey Stewart made her presence known defensively with four blocks.

The second game of the day was a chance for redemption against Utah State University-Eastern, a team the Lady Rustlers had lost against at the Salt Lake Invitational tournament a week ago. Although this match was closer than previously, Central Wyoming still lost in three sets (20-25, 18-25, 19-25). Libero Brooklyn Coats had 11 digs for CWC, while sophomores Kaela Small and Ryann Vail shared the team lead in kills with five a piece. 

Saturday morning brought another tough match to the plate for the Rustlers with the veteran-laiden Snow College Badgers. The Rustlers dropped their second straight match in three sets (19-25, 18-25 and 23-25). Hobson once again led the team with eight kills out of 25 attempts. Freshman setter, Rian McKenzie, finished the game with 18 set assists.

Central Wyoming eventually pulled themselves out of their short-lived slump, beating a team that came all the way from Washington, Edmonds Community College. The Tritons of ECC were easily handled in three sets (25-21, 25-9 and 25-16), and the Rustlers closed out the tournament with a 2-2 record. Vail had her best game statistically against the Tritons, with 11 kills and five blocks. Hallie Reeder and Laina Whitney both had three service aces in the match.

"I am proud of our team's performance this weekend," said Small, "The two earned wins and two well-fought losses demonstrated our grit and potential. Although we have areas to improve and work on, the dedication and heart we showed is very motivating."

Central Wyoming travels to Powell for the Trapper Invitational, a three-day tournament at Northwest College this coming Thursday through Saturday, September 12-14. Their first game is at 4pm against Dawson Community College.