The Lady Braves have certainly not ducked tough competition as they have actively scheduled to try and find the largest and most competitive matches they could on the first three weekends of the season. Now after a pair of conference matches they could also be described as not letting any extra sets go to waste either as they split a pair of five-set outings in the 4A West. 

On Thursday, the Star Valley spiders made the relatively short trip up Snake River Canyon to face rival Jackson who hosted the Lady Braves with a loud and energetic crowd. Although Star Valley started with an 11-2 advantage in the opening set, the Lady Broncs recovered to take the initial set, 25-27. Star Valley was able to gather themselves to claim the next set 25-17 before both teams settled into a back and forth Set 3 which ultimately went to Jackson, 23-25. 

The Lady Braves rallied once again as they were able to ride a modest four-point cushion to a 25-21 Set 4 victory and force a fifth frame. Star Valley got off to a great start and controlled the final set to complete the comeback for a 15-7 victory. 

On Friday, the Lady Braves hosted Green River who came into the weekend ranked #4 in the latest wyopreps.com Coaches and Media Poll. I was meant to be as another five-set classic as Star Valley took the first frame 25-21 before the Wolves took the second set with a 19-25 score. The Lady Braves fell behind after dropping the third set 22-25 but once again showed their character as they picked up a 25-23 win to force the fifth. This time, the final set went to the other team as Green River escaped Afton with a 15-13 win. 

With the results from the weekend, the Lady Braves are no (9-11)(1-1) on the season. 

• Around the West (More results available at wyopreps.com)

The Natrona Fillies defeated Evanston 3-1 (22-25, 25-16, 25-21, 25-22) on Thursday evening. #2 Kelly Walsh swept Riverton 3-0 (29-27, 25-14, 25-11). 

#2 Cokeville swept Rich County 3-0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-20).