Whitefish finishes regular season strong, advances in divisional play

The Whitefish Bulldogs closed out their 2025 volleyball regular season and play-in round with grit, rallying for a dramatic five-set win over Columbia Falls, then sweeping Browning and Ronan in a divisional play-in in the Western A Divisional Tournament.

In their regular-season finale, the Bulldogs showed resilience and heart, rallying from a 0-2 deficit to defeat rival Columbia Falls 24-26, 22-25, 25-19, 25-21, 15-10.

Camry Kelch powered the offense with 14 kills, while Annabelle Barrile followed with 11. Setter Allie Shors directed the offense with 34 assists, keeping the Wildkat defense guessing all night.

Whitefish Head Coach Addy Connelly said the Bulldogs’ ability to refocus after two tough sets defined their night.

“Columbia Falls took the first two sets to seal their third-place divisional bid, but Whitefish wasn’t done,” Connelly said. “With a fourth-place finish on the regular season, the dogs came out in game three with a new fight in them.”

From the service line, Stella Frisbee led with four aces, while Sol Holmquist and Hannah Szady added key points behind the line. Holmquist also registered three blocks, and Kelch added 16 digs to complement her offensive night.

“Eleanor Archie played the back court well, picking up 23 digs,” she said.

Connelly said the team’s late-season surge reflects their chemistry and determination.

“Camry Kelch led the offense with 14 kills while Annabelle Barrile was a close second with 11,” Connelly said. “Allie Shors worked her tail off tonight to make that offense happen. Freshman Avery Orem shined tonight as she played quick, athletic ball, and Stella Frisbee led us with four aces on the night.”

The Bulldogs carried that momentum into the postseason, sweeping Ronan 25-9, 25-17, 25-16 in a Western A Divisional play-in match on Nov. 1 to earn their spot in the main tournament bracket.

Whitefish totaled 30 kills and seven blocks, showcasing sharp execution and energy from the first serve. Shors once again distributed the ball evenly, finishing with 25 assists, while Barrile provided an early spark with a strong serving run to open the match.

“Whitefish came ready to play today,” Connelly said. “Allie Shors mixed up the sets, getting all hitters opportunities to put the ball away. Annabelle Barrile started us out in game one with a huge run of serves to get the momentum going.”

The Bulldogs’ defense was relentless, turning back multiple Ronan attacks and controlling the net.

“The Bulldogs adjusted well to their hitters and had a lot of block touches that forced Ronan to scramble,” Connelly said. “Freshman Avery Orme is finding a comfortable rhythm in the middle and taking care of business.”

The Bulldogs opened the Western A Divisional Tournament with a commanding 25-6, 25-18, 25-5 sweep over Browning on October 30, to keep their postseason momentum rolling.

The Bulldogs’ closing stretch — capped by wins over Columbia Falls, Ronan and Browning — reflected their best form of the year, Connelly said.

“I’m so proud of how hard these girls have worked,” she said. “They’ve grown every week, and they’re peaking at the perfect time. We’re ready for divisionals.”

Whitefish finished the regular season 9-6 overall and continues its postseason run as a team hitting its stride at just the right moment. 

    The Wildkats focus as Bulldog Allie Shors sets the ball at the volleyball game Oct. 28. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Senior volleyball player Eleanor Archie sends the ball flying over the net on Oct. 28. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Senior Sol Holmquist cheers for a point at the game against Columbia Falls Oct. 28. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)