Worland netters to square off with state champs
No. 3 Lady Warriors host No. 2 Douglas at 6 p.m.
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Sisco Molina
Worland senior Anna Lopez connects on a kill attempt during practice Thursday before the Lady Warriors' first home match against Douglas today at 6 p.m.
WORLAND – After spending the last three weekends on the road for preseason tournaments, Worland will finally see its first action in the friendly confines of Warrior Gymnasium as it hosts defending 3A state champion Douglas today at 6 p.m.
It's the popular match-up in 3A as both sides come into the weekend ranked in the WyoPreps Coaches and Media Poll – Douglas controlling the No. 2 spot with Worland right behind at No. 3. The two teams are also divisional foes in the 3A Northeast.
All the great storylines are there for fans to feast on, but still one stands out more than the rest to Worland coach Brittany Miller and the Lady Warriors.
Fresh on their minds is a loss in the semifinals of the Rawlins Invite just six days ago – a match they felt they should have won.
That loss has served as their main motivation this week.
"They're extremely excited, especially to be facing Douglas – the defending state champs," Miller said Thursday ahead of the home-opener. "That's the one team we lost to last weekend (in Rawlins) in the semifinal match so we're ready to see them again right away this week."
Worland dropped a close match in a best-of-three format this past Saturday to the reigning 3A crown holder, but still Miller feels her team has the upper hand in terms of talent.
She feels the Lady Warriors possess better athletes and have the ability to be more physical at the net.
Though Worland may have the edge over Douglas in a physical aspect, Douglas gets the nod in the mental part of the game. Miller talked about Douglas' overall experience and confidence more than anything.
The Lady Bearcats know they're the defending state champions and it shows in their play.
"They lost some good hitters but in volleyball that confidence is such a huge piece and it helps you with momentum and keeping the ball on your side. I definitely think that's Douglas' greatest asset," Miller said.
The Lady Warriors feel they have a team talented and deep enough to be a contender in 3A this season.
Today will serve as the first opportunity to prove it.
