The first round goes to Charlo, but Hot Springs coach Maria Begger fully expects to see the Lady Vikings again soon, and welcomes the opportunity to play their friendly rivals again.

Charlo defeated the Savage Heat 25-16, 25-23, 25-16 in District 14C volleyball action in Hot Springs Thursday. Falling for the first time this season, the Savage Heat return to their home court twice this week in Hot Springs, hosting Superior Tuesday and Alberton Thursday.

Begger was impressed with the Vikings. “Charlo is a very talented, well-coached team,” she said. “They've got some solid hitters, and overall they are great hustlers!”

The Vikings seemed to come up with a few runs of points at key times, keeping the momentum most of the match. The second set was very competitive, featuring many back and forth rallies, seemed like it could have gone either way, but Charlo eked out the 25-23 win. If the Heat had eked it out instead, the whole evening could have played out differently.

“While things may not have gone our way last night,” Begger said. “The girls played hard and never gave up, which I am proud of!”

Kara Christensen led the Savage Heat with five service aces and seven digs, Callie Cano directed the attack with 13 set assists, and Lanet Jakabosky four kills and four blocks.

Coach Katie Cahoon, although without the services of her senior standout, daughter Leah Cahoon presently due to injury, does appear to have a deep, talented squad in the Vikings.

Begger is encouraged by her team’s attitude and thinks they will only get better as the matches march by. “This is the toughest matchup we've faced yet this season,” she offered, “and we look forward to more opportunities to play them again as the season progresses.”

The Savage Heat’s next chance at the Vikings will be October 11 in Charlo. Of course, the 14C tournament and additional chances for encounters awaits after that.

In matches earlier this season, Hot Springs defeated St. Regis in four sets in Hot Springs September 4 and Noxon in three at Noxon September 2.

Against St. Regis, Jakabosky recorded nine passes, Dakota Slonaker four digs, Cano 25 assists, Kara Christensen and Hollis Key nine kills each, Key three blocks and Slonaker 14 winning service points in addition to her nine aces.

At Noxon, Slonaker was good for six passes, Cano three digs and 20 assists, and Christensen five kills, 22 service points and another 12 aces.

    HOT SPRINGS SENIOR Callie Cano bumps up a shot during Thursday’s match with Charlo. The Vikings won in three sets. (John Hamilton/VP-MI)