Cowgirls fall to Cincinnati

By Wyoming Sports.org

HONOLULU, Hawaii -- The Wyoming Cowgirls suffered a tough loss even before they faced Cincinnati Thursday night in the first round of Honolulu Advertiser Volleyball Challenge. The unbeaten Bearcats overcame a 25-17 win by the Cowgirls in the first game, and swept the next three 25-9, 25-18 and 25-14.

Sophomoe middle blocker Chantilly Watson will be out the remainder of the season after rupturing the achilles tendon in her right leg, during a Cowgirl practice this week during the teams’ trip to Hawaii. She will have surgery Monday in Laramie.

“Every team has adversity and losing Chantilly (Watson) early is something we have to overcome,” said head coach Carrie Yerty. “This team is certainly capable of playing better than they did tonight. The most important thing we need to do is compete, sustain our momentum and take care of our side of the court. "

A 5-foot-11, sophomore from Spanaway, Wash., she had played in three matches so far this season for the Cowgirls. She was averaging 1.17 kills and almost one block per set. Last season, she played in 17 matches as a true freshman.

“It’s an unfortunate injury and we are very disappointed for Chantilly,” Yerty. “Injuries are a part of athletics, but we expect her to make a full recovery.”

The rehabilitation process should take approximately six months, and she is expected to make a full and complete recovery.

Against Cincinnati, Wyoming was led on the night by sophomore Dani Bedore, who finished her night with a team high 11 kills and a .214 (11-5-28) hitting percentage. Jenna Arneson added six kills followed by Lauren Whitney with five. The Cowgirls hit .150 (31-19-80) on the match and had eight total blocks.

Cincinnati was led by Stephanie Niemer with 11 kills, six digs and four blocks. Jessie Nevitt added nine kills and six blocks. The Bearcats hit .250 (41-18-92) for the match and had 12 total blocks.

Wyoming will continue play in the tournament by facing host and No. 12 Hawaii Friday night at 11 p.m. (MT) and No. 11 Minnesota Saturday at 6 p.m.