The Bulldog speech and debate team started its season off strong with a first place sweepstakes win Saturday at the Stevensville tournament.

Whitefish took first with 121 points, followed by Hamilton at 85 and Belgrade with 48.

“The students have dedicated themselves fully to being prepared and well-practiced since the first of October, and the pay-off was obvious on Saturday against several of the top teams in the state, including last year’s runner up state champions, Belgrade and last year’s third place team, Hamilton,” coach Sara Mueller said.

The team was led by senior Abbie Belcher, who earned first in both impromptu speaking and extemporaneous speaking. Sam Benkelman, who is a two-time state champion in expository, earned first at Stevensville in original oratory, which is a new event for hi.

Mueller said her team will have to continue to work hard as the season progresses.

“Teams are not yet at full-strength due to fall sport participation, so we are well-aware the work is just beginning and look forward to the exciting season ahead,” she said.

The Bulldogs compete in Kalispell Saturday.

Individual results:

Impromptu: 1.Abbie Belcher, 3.Teigen Tremper, 5.Sam Benkelman

Extemporaneous: 1.Abbie Belcher, 3.Zach Ade, 4.Makkie Haller

Memorized public address: 2.Zach Ade, 7.Austin Reese

Original oratory: 1.Sam Benkelman, 3.Hunter Cripe

Humorous oral interpretation: 5.Saige Perchy, 6.Makkie Haller, 7.Jasmine Reese

Dramatic oral interpretation: 2.Hunter Cripe, 6.Naya Brigette

Lincoln-Douglas debate: 5.Dakota Henson

Policy debate: 3.Zach Kasselder and Ian Caltabiano, 6.Jade Greenberg and Ella Greenberg