ALBERTON – In their final games of the season, the Alberton Lady Panthers played the Darby Lady Tigers and the Drummond Lady Trojans, gaining experience for the regional tournament.

As part of senior night, the game against Darby opened with Principal Kyle Fisher taking a moment to introduce and honor the seniors on the team. The girls walked out, escorted by their parents, and were presented to the crowd.

The game was close. Though the first set saw the Lady Tigers taking an initial lead, Alberton wasn’t far behind. As the set progressed Darby’s lead continued to grow until they won the set – a pattern which was repeated in the second set.

The third set saw a huge turnaround. The Lady Panthers played their strongest set and made a big come back, tying the game at 24 points. The teams went into overtime, going back and forth, until Alberton won the set 30-28.

This victory revitalized the team and they came back strong in the fourth set. The scores were close, constantly going back and forth. In a sad end for their last home game the set and match went to the Lady Tigers.

Head Coach Hannah Anderson was proud of how the team came back in the third and fourth set. She said they played well and admitted that Darby was a strong team.

“They really came together as a team and pulled off a win [in the third set] against a good team,” Anderson said.

Anderson praised senior Sam Bennett for her great game. She said Bennett got a couple aces, almost 10 digs and five kills. Anderson also said seniors Hailie Bahm had five blocks, seven kills and three digs, and Ryan Vicek, who made several assists, stood out and played great games. Anderson praised the entire team for their contributions, admitting it was a team effort.

Unfortunately, the third set opened with junior Taylor Erdman suffering a likely season-ending injury to her ankle. As of press time, it was unknown whether the injury was just a sprain or a more serious injury. According to Anderson, Erdman should be able to play in next year’s volleyball season and may be up for basketball season later this school year.

Leading up to their Saturday game against the Drummond Lady Trojans, Anderson worked with the girls on their digs and serves.

“[We’re] trying to lessen our dropped ball numbers,” Anderson said.

In Drummond the Lady Panthers lost three sets to the Lady Trojans, though Anderson said they almost won in the second.

According to Anderson, Vicek held the team together throughout the game, playing hard and getting three aces and 12 digs. Anderson also praised junior Olivia Taylen for playing a great net defense and getting four blocks and three kills. Bennett and junior Alyssa Sandstrom also stood out to Anderson with Bennett recording seven digs and Sandstrom six.

Anderson is proud of how the team has improved over the season. She said they have come together as a team and work well together.

“Last night they really came together,” said Anderson. “That was wonderful to see, I’m really proud of that fact. I hope to see even more improvement [during the tournament].”

The Lady Panthers begin the tournament Thursday, October 31, at 2 p.m. in Philipsburg against the Granite High School Prospectors. Anderson said she is confident of the team’s abilities.

“These girls have a lot of heart and have become a very good team,” said Anderson. “I know they can go far in the tournament.”