Polson, Ronan prepare for postseason after spirited rivalry and play-in victories

The Polson Lady Pirates closed out their regular season with a flurry of energy and precision, sweeping Ronan on Senior Night before heading into the postseason as the top seed from the Northwest A Conference. 

Meanwhile, the Ronan Maidens kept their season alive with a dominant play-in win over Libby before falling to Whitefish in the next round — ending a competitive campaign. 

Polson (11-0 conference, 12-1 overall) celebrated its seniors in style on Oct. 27, defeating Ronan 25-19, 25-15, 25-14 in a well-rounded performance that showcased the Pirates’ offensive depth and defensive intensity. 

Embree Bird led the charge with 12 kills, while McKenna Corley added 10 and Logan McCrae chipped in six. Setter Rylee-Taylor Jefferson orchestrated the offense with 24 assists, helping the Pirates maintain steady control throughout the match. 

Defensively, Polson was anchored by Bird’s 13 digs and Aleysia Black’s 11, keeping the Maidens’ attackers from finding rhythm. Corley and Eliza Todd each added key blocks at the net. 

Ronan fought hard behind Sierra Blood’s seven kills and 17 digs, along with strong defensive play from Sarah Templer (15 digs, 14 assists) and Aubrey Krell (nine digs).  

In their final regular-season matchup on Oct. 28, Polson dropped a close three-set battle to Bigfork, 25-22, 25-21, 25-23. 

Despite the sweep, the match was evenly played from start to finish. The Lady Pirates pushed the Valkyries (11-1) in every frame behind steady play from Corley, Bird, and Jefferson, who continued to provide strong court leadership. 

Bigfork’s Somer Campos and Raegan Waller combined for 15 kills, while Taylor Howlett dished out 24 assists and added three aces. Waller led the Valkyries defensively with 14 digs. 

Polson closed the regular season at 12-2 overall and will open divisional play Thursday, Nov. 6, at 10 a.m. in Libby against the No. 4 Southwest seed. 

Ronan sweeps Libby, falls to Whitefish in play-in series 

The Ronan Maidens (7-9 overall) extended their season with a convincing 3-0 sweep of Libby on Oct. 30, dominating 25-13, 25-13, 25-20 behind Sierra Blood’s 16 kills and 15 digs. 

Setter Aubrey Krell added 15 assists and 15 digs, while Olivia Cheff recorded seven kills and six digs. Marie Cheff, Kai-Cee Sorrell, and Hosanna Wilson contributed aces to fuel the Maidens’ strong service game. 

In the follow-up Northwest A play-in game on Nov. 1, the Maidens ran into a hot Whitefish squad and fell 25-9, 25-7, 25-16. Blood again led Ronan with eight kills and 17 digs, while Cheff added four kills and six digs. Templer tallied seven assists, but the Bulldogs’ offensive firepower proved too much. 

Whitefish advanced to divisional play, while Ronan concluded its season with valuable playoff experience. 

The Western A Divisional Volleyball Tournament begins Thursday, Nov. 6, at Libby High School. Polson will open the tournament at 10 a.m. against the fourth seed from the Southwest Conference, while Bigfork, Columbia Falls, and Whitefish also represent the Northwest in postseason play.