A successful season built upon an improving team had the Powell High School junior varsity team finishing with a 13-9 record, placing second in the Rawlins tournament while going undefeated in conference play.

“We went through quite a few different lineups until we found the perfect one where all the girls felt comfortable with the spot they were put in,” coach Chelsi Graham said. “We played well most of the season with only a couple of weeks where things were a bit off and we struggled as a team.”

Leading the way at the outside hitting positions for the team were Lauryn Bennett and Catelynn Floy.

“They both were leaders on the court and ended the season also digging and passing everything in the middle back position,” Graham said.

Working the middle of the court were Maci Borders and Haylee Akin, who both had different strengths with hitting — with Borders hitting corners while Akin had a tip that always found its way over the defense.

Two setters took over the rotation for the Panthers, with Kodee Asay and Cami Gernhart both playing in the position.

Asay primarily set while also hitting on the right side in the front row.

“She stepped right into the setter’s position after being a hitter all last year and was a huge asset there,” Graham said. 

Gernhart also stepped in as a setter while Alexis Buller came in the front row to become a strong blocker on the right side.

Throughout the season Kenzie Fields and Peyton Borcher rotated between libero and defensive specialist for the team.

“They both could fill each position really well,” Graham said. “Kenzie always put everything she had out on the court. Peyton was a setter last year but fit right in the back row digging and passing everything that came her way.”

Throughout the season the Panthers endured their ups and downs, bringing different memories to the team that they will not forget.

“We had a lot of fun this season,” Graham said. “We will never forget how Haylee, who is always so quiet, was so mad after the way we played in Meeteetse that she wanted the whole team to run sprints after the game right there on the Meeteetse court — or how Peyton served over 10 serves in a row against Lovell on the home court.”

Another memory for the team was how Border’s dog Charlie became the team’s mascot.

“Each year brings new challenges, different personalities, varying talent and so much fun and laughter,” Graham said. “I just hope the girls continue to love the game and learn how to be a better person from the skills and lessons they learn on the court.”