Spikers drop Libby, but falter against Pirates
Nancy Underdahl | Hungry Horse News | UPDATED 2 hours, 24 minutes AGO
Peyton Ross goes for a block against Stevensville. Seth B. Anderson Photo.
The Columbia Falls volleyball team had a mixed performance last week in conference action. They started strong by defeating the Libby Loggers in an away match last Tuesday. However, they faced a setback by losing their second game at home to the Polson Pirates on Thursday.
The Kats secured a victory in three sets against the Loggers, with scores of 25-12, 25-21, and 25-14. Throughout the match, they achieved the following notable statistics: 30 kills, 6 aces, 7 blocks, 55 digs, and 26 assists.
Ava Scholz, contributed significantly to the team’s success, securing 22 of the 55 team digs and adding an impressive ace to her tally. Peyton Ross, another key player, displayed her talents with 11 digs, complemented by 2 blocks and 5 kills. Rylee Sweeney provided valuable support, accumulating an impressive 6 kills, 2 blocks, and 2 aces. Anabelle Middlesworth and Kamryn Ladenburg also demonstrated their skills on the night, with Anabelle have 6 kills and 2 blocks, and Ladenburg with 5 kills and 1 block respectively. Gabby Riley further solidified the team’s success with 6 kills, 1 ace, and 2 blocks.
Jezanie Brooks concluded her night with 25 assists, 6 digs, and 1 ace.
Against Polson Thursday, Columbia Falls won the first set 25-20, but they’d succumb to the Pirates after three hard-fought battles, 20-25, 19-25, and 22-25.
The Kats would rack up 40 kills, 4 aces, 6 blocks, 38 assists, and a staggering 113 digs during the contest.
For the second consecutive game, Scholz would accumulate the most digs, with 29, followed by Brooks with 24.
Ross would lead the team in offense with 14 kills, while fellow teammate Middlesworth would contribute 10, along with Ladenburg’s 7 and Sweeney’s 6. Ladenburg and Brooks would also have an ace on the night. As for assists, Brooks ended the sets with 33.
“We’re close, just not close enough! Polson is a good team, and we kept it close with them, but our offense struggled against their block,” coach Jolandie Brooks said. “Hopefully, we’ll get the chance to see them again in the divisional championship.”
The Kats will be on the road again Tuesday against Ronan after presstime. On Thursday, they’ll face off against the Bigfork at home with game times starting at 4:15 pm.