Pirates go two and out in divisionals

Craig Moore Leader Staff

LIBBY - It's over.

The Pirates saw their season come to a close this weekend after losing to Bigfork and Ronan during the divisional tourney in Libby.

Polson faced Bigfork Thursday and lost in three straight games, 25-21, 25-17 and 25-16. Tami Bonkowski marked up nine digs and Jennifer Gallatin had five. Emily Fors showed her defensive presence, recording 19 digs to lead the Lady Pirates.

"We did not play our best against Bigfork. We seemed ready to play, but did not channel our adrenaline in the right way," said head coach Deanna McElwee.

Jaelin Vandeberg had 11 assists while Bonkowski had nine kills to lead the offense.

"They (Bigfork) are consistent and don't make mistakes and dig up everything," McElwee said.

With the loss to Bigfork the Pirates were set up for a rematch of the Nov. 5 game against Ronan, a game they lost.

The Pirates again fell at the hands of Ronan, 25-19, 25-18, 28-26 and 26-24.

Janell Lundeen had a much better match against Bigfork, said McElwee. Lundeen led the Pirates with six aces, and also had eight kills and 11 digs.

"We got behind again in the third game 13-4, but showed some heart by coming back to win (28-26)" McElwee said.

The loss represented the end of the season for the Lady Pirates.

"We had a frustrating season, but the girls never quit working hard. They are a wonderful group of kids" said McElwee.

Every day they came to practice, happy to be there and ready to go, she said.

Bonkowski, Jessica Bowers and Alia Eraky will all graduate this year, but the Lady Pirates have a good crop of underclassmen returning next year.

"I will really miss Tami, Alia and Jessica. Each of them brought many attributes to help the younger players" said McElwee.