Volleyball Rankings – Week 1, 2013 [POLL]

Fierce competition has taken hold of a number of volleyball teams early in the season.

Now it's time to spice up a little bit with rankings!

After finishing runner-up in the Cokeville Invitational, and winning their own, Gillette takes the #1 ranking in 4A, heading into conference play. Kelly Walsh is not far behind them at #2, and already have a 2-0 conference after 2 5-set wins vs. Riverton and Natrona. Defending champ East checks in at #3, but their satay might be a short one, as the Lady Thunderbirds just dropped a 5-set match to Central (polls closed the day before the match). Natrona and Riverton check in at #4 and #5, heading into conference play.

The 3A polls matter some...but it won't really become clear until after this coming weekend. That's because every 3A team will be competing in the Rawlins Invitational. Until then, Douglas carries the #1 torch, followed by Rawlins, Jackson, Cody and Star Valley. Jackson has been the surprise team so far this season, with runner-up finishes at tournaments at Douglas and at Powell.

2A could be a little confusing. Wright is ranked #1, but only got 1 first place vote. The Lady Panthers made up for it, with enough 2nd, 3rd and 4th place nominations. Kemmerer and Shoshoni represent the southwest at #2 and #3. Big Horn and Lovell are tied at #4. All ranked teams, except for the Lady Rangers will be at the Big Horn Invitational this coming weekend.

The 1A poll...will have a #2 vs. #1 matchup this Friday. It will be #2 Encampment at #1 Little Snake River..and then they'll see each other again Saturday at the Hanna Invite. Defending champ Cokeville is at #3, but don't count them out. It's normal of them to have a not-so-great record to start the season, because they play some 4A and 3A teams. As the season progresses, expect the Lady Panthers to be in the mix. Hulett and Meeteetse are tied for #4. Lingle-Ft. Laramie is last year's state runner-ups and did get 1 first place vote, but not enough elsewhere to crack the top 5.

Click here to see a voting breakdown.