The Pirates will move on in the Class A state tournament.

Polson beat Hardin in four sets to escape elimination 19-25, 25-16, 25-13, 25-21.

The first match saw Hardin up by four points at one time in the match. Polson couldn’t overcome the gap to win.

The first-set loss put things into perspective for the Pirates as the team became more vocal and loose, looking more like themselves.

In the second set, the Pirates never relinquished the lead. Senior outside hitter Nicole Davey and sophomore outside hitter Riley Kenney came to life with a one-two punch of kills to propel Polson to the win.

The third set was dominated by Polson. Up by eight points at one point, the Pirates found a way around Hardin’s blockers. Junior defensive specialist Marissa McCrea served a couple big points in the set.

Polson deflated a little bit in the fourth set but never fell behind. Loni Havlovick pounded the ball a couple times with great sets from Kayla Duford.

Junior hitter Breanne Kelley served two aces. Davey led in kills, with 18, and had 28 digs. Senior libero Staci Benson also had 28 digs in a tested back row. Senior middle hitter Loni Havlovick put up three blocks for the Pirates.

Polson will face familiar foe Libby at 2 p.m.

Check out http://onthebleachers.blogspot.com/ for more commentary and updates.