Lady Pirates sweep Libby, rally past Columbia Falls

The Polson Lady Pirates kept their early-season momentum rolling with back-to-back victories over Libby and Columbia Falls, improving to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in Northwest A conference play. 

On Saturday, Polson dominated at home with a 3-0 sweep of Libby (25-12, 25-12, 25-7). McKenna Corley led the charge with 14 kills, while Embree Bird added eight and Eliza Todd chipped in seven.  

Setter Rylee Taylor-Jefferson spread the offense with 19 assists, and Aleysia Black sparked from the service line with five aces. Defensively, Bird anchored the back row with seven digs, supported by Corley and Logan McCrea. The Lady Pirates controlled the tempo throughout, never letting Libby find a rhythm. 

Earlier in the week, Polson faced a tougher test against Columbia Falls, dropping the opening set 25-17 before rallying to win the next three (25-22, 25-20, 25-12). Corley and Bird powered the comeback with 16 and 15 kills, respectively, while Taylor-Jefferson dished out 24 assists and Greta Lund added 14 more.  

Todd had a big night at the net with five blocks, and Black paced the defense with 19 digs. Polson out dug the Wildkats 78-68, with Bird contributing 18 digs and Taylor-Jefferson 12.    Lady Pirate senior Josie Henriksen knocks the ball back over to the Wildkat Anabelle Middlesworth and Jezanie Brooks during their varsity game on Sept. 16. (Emily Messer / Leader)