ST. IGNATIUS — The Lady Bulldogs lost to Deer Lodge at the season opener last week but they held their own against the more experienced team.

Deer Lodge attacked the ball but once the Lady Bulldogs settled down and got a feel for their opponents they were tough competition.

In the first game the score was 25-14, and 25-11 in the second. In the final one the 'Dogs fought back but came up just short with a 26-24 decision.

"The Bulldogs played against a team that has good blockers. The ball continually [came] back at them when they attacked," head coach Kimimi Ashley said. "Once they got used to it they were able to keep the ball going."

Kelsey Cable had five aces and Katie McDonald had three. Mattea Grant had six assists and Shelby Fraker had three. Cable had ten kills and Ashley Mitchell had eight. Mitchell had 22 digs and Cable had 17. Dalena Weaselhaed had one block, Fraker had one, Cable had one and Mitchell had one.

"The girls had been working hard on their attacking but we hadn't added blockers into the picture," Ashley said.

The 'Dogs are creating a strong team unity this year.

"[The girls] didn't get down on each other or play like they were already beat," she said. "They are a quick, scrappy group of girls. They get along well in helping each other out."

The Lady Bulldogs will play against the Scarlets at home on Thursday. On Saturday they travel to Thompson Falls.