Bulldog volleyball downs Frenchtown ahead of 50th anniversary reunion

Whitefish volleyball is living up to its motto, Better Together.   

The team took down the Frenchtown Broncs, the 2025 third-place team in the state last year, in their home opener in three straight sets last week. 

“It was a great start,” Head Coach Addy Connelly said. “They played really well.” 

Earlier in the season, Connelly expressed her excitement to work with this year’s young roster.  

“Everyone’s been really coachable and excited to be there,” she said.   

Now, a few weeks into the season, Connelly confirms that this team, although young, has done a great job of working and learning together.  

“They’re finding that puzzle and putting it together,” she said. “We have standout players but together, they are even better." 

Connelly said junior setter Allie Shors is running a good offence, and junior Annabelle Barrile is doing a great job playing all the way around. She said both returners have helped the team find some consistency.  

She also highlights sophomore Avery Orme as a player who is “setting the tone for us up on that front line” alongside freshman Abby Brooks who is “doing an incredible job of taking care of the ball.”  

“We’ve kind of been going with tenacious defense,” Connelly said when speaking about junior libero Emy Hansen. “[The team has] done a great job of being flexible with me and with each other.”   

Sophomore Hannah Szady has stepped into the middle position and is a quick learner, Connelly said. 

“They’re all leading their own way,” she said. “They’re really stepping up as a whole.” 

Looking forward to the remainder of their season, Connelly says that the team is going to work on continuing to bring high energy and intensity into the gym every day.  

“I’m just excited to watch them keep growing and bringing that energy and that love for the game,” she said. “We’re going to continue finding our path.” 

Connelly emphasizes the team’s gratitude for the community support that they have received so far.  

“We had an amazing student crowd,” Connelly said about the game against Frenchtown. “It was so appreciated having that loud gym and being supported.” 

The Whitefish Bulldogs will take on the Ronan Maidens on Thursday, Sept. 17, for the 50th anniversary of Whitefish Bulldog volleyball. All past Bulldog volleyball players are encouraged to attend the game, wear Bulldog gear and celebrate half a century of Bulldog volleyball. There will be a pre-meeting at the Bulldog Saloon at 3 p.m. before people head over to the high school gym at about 5 p.m. There will be a reception following the varsity game. There is a Facebook page with more information.

For the full 2026 Whitefish Volleyball schedule, visit the Whitefish High School athletics page.  

    Allie Shors at the home volleyball game against Frenchtown on Tuesday, Sept. 8. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Avery Orme and Edolie Petersen at the home volleyball game against Frenchtown on Tuesday, Sept. 8. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Annabelle Barrile spikes the ball at the home volleyball against Frenchtown Tuesday, Sept. 8. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    The Lady Dawgs celebrate a match winning point during the home volleyball game against Frenchtown on Tuesday, Sept. 8. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)
  

    Sofia Christ at the home volleyball game against Frenchtown on Tuesday, Sept. 8. (Kelsey Evans/Whitefish Pilot)