The 4A Southwest and Northwest collide in Afton this weekend as the Star Valley Lady Braves (11-4-1) host the Natrona Fillies (8-4) on Friday afternoon and the Rock Springs Tigers  (8-4) on Saturday.

Catch the varsity serve at 4 p.m. on Friday afternoon with Brandy Taylor and the SVI-4 crew.

◆ Lady Braves pick up pair of Southwest wins

The Lady Braves had little trouble this past week as they collected two more wins on the season to improve to (11-4-1) on the season and (2-1) within the 4A Southwest.

Star Valley defeated Jackson on the road 3-1 and then hosted Green River this past Saturday and broke out the broom with a sweep of the Wolves, 3-0.

“They are doing a lot of good things,” Coach Blake Peterson said about his squad. “They would say they need to be more consistent but they are doing a lot of really good things. The season can become a bit of a grind at this point of the season. Tournaments are over and there is more time in-between games but they have a great mind set and want to be coached hard and want to get better. They are trying to be focused and make it though the grind and doing what they need to do to have success.”

That focus will take on the additional challenge of Homecoming activities this week including a varsity match against the Natrona Fillies on Friday afternoon that will likely converge with the football game against Cody.

Peterson said rather than look at the activities as a distraction, he feels his program is approaching the week with appreciation after the coronavirus cost Spring programs all of their season earlier in the calendar year.

“I love Homecoming week,” he said. “There are so many fun activities and there is such a great tradition here in Star Valley but as a coach it can drive you crazy as you try and keep the kids focused. But it’s a great time to let them celebrate and actually be in school and get to play these games.”

After facing off against a pair of teams that comprise the bottom of the SW District, the Lady Braves will now see the top two teams from the 4A Northwest.

“I think they are both scrappy teams and they’ll fight us,” Peterson said of the Fillies and Tigers. “I think there will be some good matches and some good intensity. On paper we’re probably the favorites but that doesn’t mean anything.”

Peterson also praised the overall teamwork of the girls as they continue to refine their game.

“All the girls are doing some really good things. Kam Jenkins is spreading the ball around. My hitters are being more consistent and aggressive. Our back row is getting us in position to run the offense we want and I hope we can peak at the right time in the season.”

(Sept. 29)
Star Valley: 3
Jackson: 1
(25-14, 22-25, 25-14, 25-21)

(Oct. 3)
Green River: 0
Star Valley: 3
(25-15, 25-16, 25-20)

(Oct. 9)
Natrona County @ SVHS
(2 p.m. / 3 p.m. / 4 p.m. )

(Oct. 10)
Rock Springs @ SVHS
(12 p.m. / 1 p.m. / 2 p.m. )

4A Northwest
Rock Springs (8-4)(3-0)
Natrona (8-4)(2-1)
Cody (8-5)(1-2)
Riverton (2-9)(0-3)

4A Southwest
Evanston (7-8)(3-0)
Star Valley (11-4-1)(2-1)
Jackson (6-6)(1-2)
Green River (0-10)(0-3)