If early tests are a valid indication, the results are in, at least in theory: Noxon and Plains will be in the thick of the Western conference volleyball battle during the 2021 season.

Both teams participated in the recent tip-off tournament in St. Ignatius this weekend, with the chance of the draw putting Trotters of Plains and Noxon’s Lady Devils in a first round meeting of the event which drew eight volleyball teams from throughout the region.

After nearly an hour-long battle in the altered format tourney, the two teams came to an absolute one-set apiece draw.

Plains, which features a veteran group of scrappy hustlers, jumped out to an early lead in the first set of the two-set round-robin format, then held off a determined Lady Devils rally for a 20-17 win.

The second set featured a back-and-forth, lead changing contest that was eventually won by Noxon by an identical 20-17 score.

For the opening round of the tournament, which was held at Mission High School, teams played two sets with the first to accumulate 20 points declared the winner. A cap of 22 points was in place to save time and allow more games should the matter not be settled at 20.

A tie-breaker would be awarded to which team scored the most points during the two sets. The Lady Devils and Trotters also tied in points scored.

That’s how closely Plains and Noxon played during their tournament opening match-up.

In the end, Anaconda won the tournament with a two set victory over Loyola. The event was held in the new gym facilities at Mission High, according to tournament director Stuart Grant. The tournament was not held last year due to virus concerns, so this year’s tourney was the first time volleyball games had been played on the new courts.

Anaconda beat Noxon in the semi-final round, while Plains lost to Loyola.

The Noxon-Plains matchup featured long rallies throughout both games between teams with similar styles and athletic abilities.

Other teams in the tournament included: Deer Lodge, host Mission, Eureka, Anaconda and Arlee.

Next up for Noxon is a match this Saturday afternoon against the Lady Bobcats in Superior. Plains, meanwhile, travels to Seeley for a Friday evening meeting with the Lady Blackhawks.