The Plains Trotters won two more District 7B conference matches last week, topping Mission 25-19, 25-27, 25-22, 25-16 in Plains Thursday and defeating the Lady Lions 26-24, 18-25, 25-21, 21-25, 15-7 in Eureka Saturday.

Now 9-2 overall in matches played so far this season, coach Kim Lakko and her Trotters get back into action playing Sanders County rival Thompson Falls in Thompson Falls Tuesday.

Lakko appreciated how her girls came together at key times in the win over Mission. “We had moments when individuals would get into a serving slump, a hitting slump, or a passing/defense slump,” she said, “and they came together and fought through it earning them the win.”

Hadyn Rice floored 16 kills and stuff blocked three Mission kill shot attempts to lead Plains against Mission, Aubree Butcher contributed 15 kills, Taryn Meredith and Bri Kulawinski three aces each, Emery Josephson three blocks, Jaycee Carr an assist, and Claire Lakko directed the Trotter attack with 46 set assists, in addition to hitting 14 digs.

Coach Lakko said that Eureka challenged the Trotters with a stiff net attack, and that Plains had to endure an injury to Mila Rivinius (who was replaced capably by Miranda Dawson) before pulling away for the win.

“I was proud of our girls for the way they adjusted to different bases and supported Miranda to calm her nerves” she said. “Eureka blocked incredible and it was so good for us to be tested in that way.”

Rice paced the Trotters in Eureka with 17 kills, five blocks and five aces, Kulawinski had six kills and three aces, Butcher six kills and 13 digs, Josephson four blocks and Carr four set assists.

Claire Lakko hit six kills, 17 digs and 32 set assists.

Plains Senior Trotter Emelia Rivinius jumps to return the ball during a game against the Bulldogs. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Tracy Scott

Plains Trotter junior Hadyn Rice taps the ball over the net. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Tracy Scott

Hadyn Rice gives her all to return a serve. (Tracy Scott/Valley Press)
Tracy Scott