Bulldogs take opener but fall to Bigfork in conference test

Whitefish (9-8-2) rode an energetic home crowd to a first-set win but couldn’t slow Bigfork’s front line the rest of the way, dropping a 3–1 decision in Tuesday’s conference match. The Bulldogs took the opener 28–26 before the Valkyries answered 25–17, 25–20, 25–20.

Senior Camry Kelch powered the Whitefish attack with 14 kills and a spotless 24 receptions in serve-receive. Sophomore Annabelle Barrile added six kills, while juniors Edolie Petersen and freshman Avery Orme chipped in two apiece.

At the net, sophomore Stella Frisbee provided a spark with four total blocks (two solo), and Kelch added a solo stuff. From the service line, senior Sol Holmquist delivered steady pressure with three aces on 21 attempts without an error (100%); Shors was also perfect behind the line with two aces on 18 attempts. As a team, Whitefish finished with seven aces.

Head coach Addy Connelly praised her team’s start and defensive grit while noting late-set execution as the difference.

“It was a hard-fought battle in Game 1 and we couldn’t quite hold the Vals off,” Connelly said. "The Vals front line was tough for the dogs to fight through. Sol Holmquist lead a steady offense with her serving on the night putting the dogs ahead in game one. ”

Defensively, senior libero Eleanor Archie turned in a standout night on the back line with 29 digs, and Kelch added 19. Sophomore setter Allie Shors kept the offense organized, handing out 24 assists to go with 12 digs.

"Eleanor Archie played good defense in the back half of the court," Connelly said. "Stat wise the games were pretty even." 

Whitefish totaled 30 kills on 169 swings. While the efficiency dipped as the match wore on, the Bulldogs’ first set showed the formula: firm first contacts, quick tempo to Kelch on the pins, and timely serves to disrupt Bigfork’s pass.

"Stat-wise it was pretty even - we just need to clean up a few errors at critical times to keep momentum," Connelly said.

    Annabelle Barille dives for the ball at the game against Bigfork Tuesday, Oct. 7. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Edolie Peterson spikes the ball at the game against Bigfork Tuesday, Oct. 7. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)