Flathead started slow in its first home volleyball match of the year on Tuesday, rolling through Missoula Sentinel in three sets, 25-21, 25-19, 25-19.

The Bravettes fell behind early in the first set, dealing with long hits and short serves by the Spartans. Trailing 9-7, Flathead won 12 of the next 16 points, powered by the right arm of senior outside hitter Cassie Krueger, who picked up five kills during the stretch.

“Cassie’s kind of a spark plug for us,” Flathead coach Leon Wilcox said. “She’s a very vocal leader for us and she’s kind of an example, she sets the tone for the game. When Cassie is pumped up and she’s really passionate about playing, it rubs off on everybody.”

Flathead fought through some rough patches in the match, but was able to put together long runs in each set to win the match going away. Setter Emily Russell picked up 31 assists on 35 Bravette kills and found senior outside hitter Kwyn Johnson for a match-high 16 kills.

“We started out a little rough in the first game but then Emily was on,” Wilcox said. “It was dynamite. She was finding hitters all over the place.”

Johnson also tied for the lead in blocks (two with Sarah Risenhoover) and digs (eight with Iris Matulevich) for a great all-around performance. Emma Andrews led the Bravettes with five aces.

“As soon as our passing got there, our setting got there, me and Cassie, and all of our hitters, can put anything down,” Johnson said. “It’s a good start, excited for our next two games this week. It’s gonna be a fun week.”

The Bravettes waste no time in getting their next home matches, hosting the Helena schools this weekend. They play Capital on Friday and Helena High on Saturday.

Flathead def. Missoula Sentinel, 25-21, 25-19, 25-19.

Kills — Flathead 35 (Kwyn Johnson 16), Sentinel 21 (Haley Druyvestein, Krista Hunton 8); Aces — Flathead 13 (Emma Andrews 5), Sentinel 8 (Olivia Roberts 4); Assists — Flathead 33 (Emily Russell 31), Sentinel 17 (Madison McCarthy 16); Digs — Flathead 35 (Johnson, Iris Matulevich 8), Sentinel 28 (Roberts 9); Blocks — Flathead 6 (Johnson, Sarah Risenhoover 2), Sentinel n/a.