Losing only one set to open the season, the Powell Panther volleyball team swept Shoshoni, Farson Eden and Wyoming Indian before winning a four set match against Big Piney to end the weekend in Lander 4-0.

“For this group, getting some experience under our belt and building some confidence was huge this weekend,” coach Anna Flitner said. “I think the girls were excited to play together and the wins made it that much sweeter.”

Powell (4-0) started with a win over 2A Shoshoni (1-3) in three sets, with scores of 25-21, 25-20 and 25-20, before also sweeping Farson-Eden (0-4) 25-21, 25-20 and 25-17 on Friday.

The Panthers followed that with a sweep of Wyoming Indian (0-4) 27-25, 25-4 and 25-23 before Big Piney (0-4) started to present problems for the Panthers.

Powell won the first set 25-20 but lost the second set 25-22 before finishing with wins of 25-20 and 25-16.

“I think that we had some bumps and challenges arise this weekend, especially against Big Piney, that were good for us to work through,” Flitner said. “The girls really came together as a team to figure it out and I’m really proud of them for that. I think during the upcoming weekend we will face some pretty solid competition, and it is important for us to focus on the little wins and the things that are in our control.”

Blocking was an area Flitner was encouraged by following the match with Big Piney, noting the Panthers had a good number of blocks and block touches which could help contribute to scoring early in the season.

Despite the encouragement from the weekend, Flitner felt there was plenty for the Panthers to improve on heading into their next tournament.

“I think as a team we need to work on speeding up our offense and being aware of the blockers on the other side. Our hitting efficiency isn’t quite what I would like it to be yet,” Flitner said. “I would also like us to be more consistent with our serves. We need serves that are tough enough to keep teams out of system, but also consistent enough to not lose too many points on missed serves.”

Powell heads back out on the road, this time a little further southwest heading to Evanston to take part in a Border Wars Tournament.

Powell takes on the host 4A Red Devils (4-2) at 8 a.m. on Friday, followed by a match against South Summit, of Utah, at 11 a.m. 

The Panthers continue their busy Friday against 4A Rock Springs (2-3) at 1 p.m. and end the day against North Summit, of Utah, at 4 p.m.

Powell takes on the defending 4A state champion Kelly Walsh (4-1) at 8 a.m. on Saturday, followed by a match against 2A Kemmerer (0-5) at 9 a.m.

Powell ends the weekend with games against Hillcrest and 4A Star Valley (2-3) at 2 p.m.

Flitner said the Panthers need to keep focused while taking on tougher competition.

“I want our mental game and attitude to stay consistent across the matches,” Flitner said. “That is my biggest goal for the weekend. There are bound to be frustrations when playing tough competition, but I want us to focus on how we show up for our teammates and how we bounce back from our mistakes and the lows that happen.”