Bigfork volleyball rolls past Columbia Falls and Browning, stays unbeaten in conference

The Bigfork Valkyries continued their strong run through the Northwestern A Conference, defeating Columbia Falls in four sets on Thursday and sweeping Browning on Saturday. The victories improved Bigfork to 5-0 in league play and 5-2 overall.

On Thursday night at home, the Vals held off Columbia Falls 25-15, 20-25, 25-23, 25-13 in a match that showcased their balance on offense and gritty defense. Junior Raegan Waller paced the attack with 13 kills and 17 digs, while setter Taylor Howlett distributed 31 assists and added four kills. Junior Somer Campos chipped in eight kills, and Emily Wisman recorded six. Lillie Suffia contributed at the net with six block assists, and senior Cassy Schlicht anchored the defense with 10 digs.

The service line also proved to be a weapon. Schlicht, Waller, Suffia, and Howlett each delivered a pair of aces, helping Bigfork close out the fourth set in dominant fashion.

Two days later, Bigfork traveled to Browning and quickly put the match away with a 25-6, 25-9, 25-11 sweep. Campos was unstoppable, slamming 12 kills while hitting .500. Howlett again steered the offense with 17 assists, while Suffia and Carlson each added three kills. From the service line, the Vals were nearly flawless, missing only three of 73 attempts. Howlett tallied five aces, Waller and Schlicht six apiece, and Suffia three.

Defensively, Schlicht and Waller had five digs each, while Carlson added four. Bigfork limited Browning to single-digit scoring in two of the three sets, showing their ability to pressure opponents on both sides of the ball.

With their two conference wins, the Valkyries sit atop the Northwestern A standings and continue to build momentum as the season heads into October.