Polson splits matches with Browning, Frenchtown

The Polson volleyball team opened last week on a high note before running into one of the state’s perennial powers.

On Tuesday, the Lady Pirates rolled to a straight-set win over Browning, 25-11, 25-8, 25-20. Polson controlled the match from the opening serve to notch its second victory of the season.

McKenna Corley led the Pirates’ offense with 13 kills, while Zailee Hewankorn added eight and Eliza Todd and Opal Nash chipped in four apiece. Polson’s serving game was sharp, with 17 aces spread across the lineup, including five from Embree Bird and four from Corley. Rylee Taylor-Jefferson directed the offense with 16 assists, and Greta Lund tallied 11. On defense, Aleysia Black paced the team with nine digs.

That momentum carried into Thursday night’s home contest against Frenchtown, where Polson pushed the visiting Broncs to four sets before falling 25-19, 25-12, 23-25, 25-17. After dropping the first two sets, the Pirates battled back to claim the third behind an energized crowd and an aggressive front row. Frenchtown regrouped in the fourth, however, to close out the match.

While official Polson stats from the Frenchtown contest were not available, the Pirates’ effort was evident in the third set, where they played the Broncs in a nailbiting battle. Frenchtown leaned on Mason Quinn, who registered nine kills and three blocks, and setter Ryan Lucier, who handed out 40 assists to keep the Broncs’ attack in rhythm.

With the split, Polson moved to 2-1 overall.