The Hays/Lodge Pole Thunderbird Volleyball team came into the District 7C Tournament as the most improved team this season. Despite what the win column shows, the Thunderbirds made great strides on the court, challenging the top team more often to earn wins.

In the matches where they were playing teams other than the favorites they were very solid. The Thunderbirds opened up the tournament with a play-in game against the Box Elder Bears.

Hays/Lodge Pole had swept the Bears in two regular season matches and did so again Thursday morning. The Thunderbirds took the opening set 25-17, controlling the flow of the game from the outset. In set number two, Hays/Lodge Pole had found a comfortable rhythm, establishing their attack and playing well in the back, cruising to a 25-12 set win.

Looking to close out the Bears and move on into the full tournament at the District 7C, The Thunderbirds rallied early and steadily built on their lead in a 25-15 third set win. Senior Jaedyn Chandler recorded four Kills in the win. Seniors Nashone Shambo and Tahtianna Whitecow-Morgan each served up nine Aces in the match.

The win sent the Thunderbirds into a match against the No. 1 Seed Highwood/Geraldine Rivals. The Thunderbirds played hard but fell 25-13, 25-11, 25-9. In their final match of the tournament the Thunderbirds fell to the North Star Knights 25-10, 25-14, 25-16. Chandler recorded 12 Kills in the two matches to lead the Thunderbirds. Chandler also dug of 22 balls to keep play going.