The Troy Lady Trojans were off to a 2-0 start when they hosted Deer Lodge last weekend.

The hosts were nearly 3-0 before suffering a heartbreaker in five sets Saturday at the Troy Activity Center.

The fans got their money’s worth as each team took turns jumping out to big leads, only to see the other rally. It was a match destined to go five sets.

After back-to-back triumphs Labor Day weekend over Darby and Arlee, the Wardens came to town after playing in Eureka the night before. Deer Lodge dropped the match in three sets.

The Wardens jumped out to a 9-2 lead in the first set. Troy head coach Kristine Morris called timeout, hoping to slow the momentum. It was 18-7, but the Lady Trojans rallied within one point, 19-18, as junior Ainsley Huitron served for five straight points, including two aces.

Troy pulled within one again, 23-22, but the Wardens scored the next three points.

The Lady Trojans exerted more control in the next two sets, winning 25-18 and 25-15. 

Again, serving was a key as Troy’s Kristi Jellesed tallied nine straight points to take a 18-9 lead. Deer Lodge rallied and trailed 18-16 before the Lady Trojans scored seven of the next nine points. Senior middle hitter Hailey Dungan delivered the winner with a strong slam.

In the third set, Troy sophomore Kaydence Gamache served for five straight points in a 6-1 opening. Deer Lodge never truly responded as senior Addyson Fisher played well at the service line and up front. Troy also got some good serving from senior Jelica Caldoza.

The fourth set was a classic.

Deer Lodge led 4-1 before Troy rallied to lead 6-5 behind a gym-rattling smash by Fisher. The Lady Trojans still led 14-12 before the Wardens rattled off six of the next eight to lead 18-16. They got as close as 18-17, but the Wardens staved off elimination with a 25-19 win.

Deer Lodge led early in the fifth, 3-1, but Troy rallied to take a 14-9 lead. Some unforced errors and a pair of service aces by Warden sophomore Kamryn Rottmar helped Deer Lodge score the last seven points for the win.

Troy’s junior varsity team topped the Wardens in five sets, including a 15-10 win in the fifth.

Troy played at Eureka Thursday evening and is scheduled to play again Sept. 22 at Noxon.

    Troy Lady Trojans sophomore Olivia Hall prepares to serve Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, against Deer Lodge at the Troy Activity Center. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)