Sundance brings home state title

The Sundance Lady Bulldogs walked away back-to-back state champions Thursday as they won the 2A state championship tournament in Casper.

Advancing into the tournament as the number one seed from the east, the Lady Bulldogs faced the number four seed from the west, the Wind River Cougars. Having previous experience at the state tournament, the Lady Bulldogs were not intimidated by all the bells and whistles of the big stage.

The opening round found all the Lady Bulldogs seeing some time on the floor, as they were able to handily sweep the Cougars, 25-4, 25-18 and 25-9.

All rounds of the state tournament were played in one day due to COVID-19 guidelines, so the Lady Bulldogs had little time to rest before they were up against the Shoshoni Wranglers. In a much tighter match, the Lady Bulldogs relied on their teamwork to get the job done.

Leading the back row with 18 digs, Aftyn Marchant was able to pop the Wrangler hits up to the front row as the hard hitters would smash them down. Ty Holloman and Sherry Negaard were both in double digits for kills on the night with 15 and 14 respectively.

“It was a total team effort because the day was exhausting,” Coach Blasczyk stated.

The Bulldog teamwork made their dream work as they took a 3-0 sweep over the Wranglers in the semi-final round, 25-20, 27-25, and 25-12. 

Moving into the championship round just a few hours later, the Lady Bulldogs faced off against the number one seed from the west, the Riverside Rebels. While the Bulldogs were able to take a 3-0 sweep over the Rebels, it was not an easy task.

The Lady Bulldogs were able to keep their composure as Rebels kept the score close.

“During the championship match they played with total calm and focus, communicated so well, and rallied when they were down,” commented coach Balczyk. “I was very proud.”

Bulldog senior outside hitter Sherry Negaard had an outstanding game as she led the team with 20 kills in the championship round as the Bulldogs swept the Rebels, 25-19, 25-23, 25-23, and took their sixth 2A state volleyball championship in school history.

Sundance vs. Wind River: 25-4, 25-18, 25-9

Aftyn Marchant – 5 digs

Sherry Negaard – 3 aces 2 digs 11 kills 1 block

Baillee Heaster – 5 aces 4 digs 1 kill 12 assists

Ty Holloman – 3 aces 2 kills 2 blocks

Brook Hofland – 3 kills 2 blocks

Bailey Hofland – 6 kills 3 blocks

Cana McInerney – 1 ace 2 digs 2 kills 10 assists

Sundance vs. Shoshoni: 25-20, 27-25, 25-12

Aftyn Marchant – 18 digs

Sherry Negaard – 5 aces 2 digs 14 kills 1 block

Nevada Gill – 1 ace 4 digs

Baillee Heaster – 1 ace 5 digs 1 kill 18 assists 3 blocks

Ty Holloman – 2 digs 15 3 blocks

Cana McInerney – 3 kills 17 assists 1 block 5 digs

Brook Hofland – 1 kill 2 blocks 

Bailey Hofland – 5 kills 3 blocks 

Briska Johnson – 8 digs

Sundance vs. Riverside: 25-19, 25-23, 25-23

Aftyn Marchant – 4 aces 13 digs

Sherry Negaard – 2 aces 20 kills 3 digs

Nevada Gill – 1 ace 3 digs 

Baillee Heaster – 4 digs 17 assists 2 blocks

Ty Holloman – 1 ace 4 digs 10 kills 6 blocks

Cana McInerney – 5 digs 2 kills 22 assists 1 block

Brook Hofland – 6 kills 2 digs

Bailey Hofland – 3 kills 1 block

Briska Johnson – 5 digs