Falling victim to a tough draw, the Hot Springs Savage Heat completed season volleyball play at the Western C divisional tournament in Churchhill last week, falling to eventual champion Manhattan Christian in the first round Thursday and fourth place finisher Gardiner in loser-out play Friday.

Manhattan Christian won the tournament and Valley Christian upended Drummond to win second. Manhattan Christian and Valley Christian move on to represent the Western C in the State C portion of the Montana All-Class volleyball tournament in Bozeman this week.

Coach Taylor Salmi and her Savage Heat complete play with a fine 17-8 record, with four of those losses coming the last two weeks in district and divisional tournament play. Salmi was very appreciative of what her girls gave her this season.

“I am having a very hard time with the season ending and losing six seniors who are not only incredible athletes,” she said, “but more importantly, incredible human beings.”

To say this Savage Heat team has made an impression on their coach would be an understatement. “What makes this team the most special is how well they get along,” Salmi said, “and the way they support each other in spite of anything and everything.”

Salmi singled out the efforts of one of her best Heat netters, senior Lanet Jakabosky. “She had 28 blocks, 60 kills, 28 digs, and 5 aces for us in the tournaments,” Salmi offered. “Lanet truly is probably the most well-rounded, dynamic player I have ever coached.

Salmi said another one of her seniors Kora Hensrude played through severe neck pain and headaches in both season-ending tournaments, even going as far as to visit the chiropractor on the first day of the divisional tourney in an attempt to get right for her team. “She played harder than I have ever seen her play,” coach said, “she really wanted it.”

Salmi also cited the fine net work of MacKenzie Johnson, Ava Bouquet and Hollis Key. “MacKenzie really worked hard through some long games, Ava came up clutch for us off the bench several times,” she said, “and Hollis, one of our team captains and leaders, served 94% on 96 serves and hit 10 aces in the tournaments.”

Salmi also discussed her upcoming group of what she classified as “sassy sophomores,” naming Dakota Slonaker, Alisha Jakabosky and Ziah Hensrude for the record. “Dakota led our defense with 52 digs and 90% service receive and also hit 53 kills,” she said, “that really added the zest we needed. Dakota's energy is incredibly contagious and when she gets on, our whole team is more dynamic”

Salmi said the younger Jakabosky and Hensrude sisters did some serious growing at tournament time this season. “Both got significant playing time and really were consistent in all our high pressure moments,” she said. “I cannot wait to watch our sophomore crew for the next two years.”

    BUMPING UP a shot, Savage Heat sophomore Alisha Jakabosky and her Hot Springs teammates completed season play at the Western C divisional tournament at Manhattan Christian High School in Churchhill last week. Jakabosky is pictured during play in the District 13C/14C tournament in Missoula Oct. 29. (John Hamilton/vp-mi)