After five-set thriller against Mission, Arlee downs Noxon and

Hot Springs

Three matches, two five-set thrillers, one loss. Not a bad week for the Arlee Scarlets.

Arlee headed up north on Tuesday, Oct. 11, looking to avenge a 3-1 defeat to the Mission Lady Bulldogs the week prior.

And while the Scarlets hung very tough, they fell just short, dropping a 25-19, 18-25, 25-14, 23-25, 15-7 fiveset match to Mission.

Becca Nelson led the charge with 18 kills and two aces, Alexis Shick contributed four blocks and a pair of aces and Whitney Malatare added 24 digs in the loss.

Three nights later, the Scarlets hosted Noxon, a team they bounced from the Spike It Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 8. Arlee picked up right where they left off in two facets. The Scarlets notched another victory over Noxon in another match that went the distance, winning 25-19, 28-26, 22-25, 24-26, 15-10.

Cortney Dix paced Arlee with all 30 assists, as well as five aces while Mahalia Hendren added 20 kills and four blocks in another solid net performance.

The pair of five-set matches is a good thing as Arlee heads toward postseason play, according to head coach Brian Big Sam.

"It's really good going to tournament time," Big Sam said. "It's more of a challenge."

The Scarlets wrapped up a busy week on Saturday, Oct. 15 when they made quick work of Hot Springs in a convincing 25 -19, 25-17, 25-11 victory.

Again, it was Dix stealing the show. The senior led Arlee with nine of their 28 kills, 17 of their 22 assists, 14 of their 18 aces and two of their three blocks.

"She brings a lot of hard work and determination," Big Sam said. "She wants to win, which is what you want from a senior."

The Scarlets have just two regular-season contests remaining on their schedule, both against Lake County rivals.

On Thursday, Oct. 20, Arlee travels to Ronan to take on the Maidens before hosting the Charlo Lady Vikings on Saturday, Oct. 22. With districts on the horizon in Noxon the weekend of Oct. 28-29, Big Sam is still finetuning his squad, which could make noise down the road.

"We're working on rotation and coverage, making sure people are where they need to be," Big Sam said.

Arlee faces Ronan at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday before Saturday's 4:30 p.m. meeting with the Lady Vikings.