Mission takes fourth at season opener

By Karen Peterson

Leader Staff

ST. IGNATIUS — The Lady Bulldogs beat the Plains Trotters on Tuesday night and picked up fourth place during Saturday's tournament.

They also lost to Charlo in the season opener on Friday and are currently 5-7 on the season.

"The Lady Bulldogs had a good start to their season and were able to see the things that they need to work on, and the good news, the things that need to be worked on aren't that huge," head coach Kimimi Ashley said.

Against Plains, the Lady 'Dogs won in three games 25-20, 25-23, and 25-13. Of the team's 19 kills, Lisa Larsson and Rachel Jensen led with six apiece. Larsson and Jensen also led with two blocks apiece. Katie McDonald led with nine of 14 team aces. Matea Grant picked up nine of 13 assists, and Dalena Weaselhead claimed nine of 21 digs.

On Friday against Charlo, the Lady Vikings took the lead in the first match 27-25 but the Lady 'Dogs came back to win the second 16-25 and the third 20-25. But, Charlo picked up another win 25-19 and they won the tiebreaker 15-8.

"Our first match against Charlo was frustrating not because of the girls' play but because of our momentum continually being broken when we would get rolling," she said.

Using a libero, a back row specialist, caused confusion for coaches and players, Ashley said.

"The use of a libero playing in high school volleyball is only into its second year so this is a learning thing for players, coaches and libero trackers alike," she said. "Due to the confusion of the rules the game was repeatedly interrupted for long periods of time to get things understood. Even the referees came and apologized to us for what was going on.

"I could say that without all the interruptions it might have been a different game, but Charlo had to deal with the stops in play just like we did and they continued to play tough."

Katie McDonald did well in her new position as Libero, Ashley said.

"She knows that she is expected to work hard on her passing and needs to be the controller of that back row, a very tough competitor," she said.

Rachel Jensen and Adessa Durglo did well in their first game as varsity starters.

"They were both on in putting the shots down and slowing down hitters with their blocking," Ashley said. "Also serving well for us is sophomore Dalena Weaselhead. She was the leader in aces with five on that night."

On Saturday, the Lady Bulldogs hosted the St. Ignatius Tip-Off Tournament with six teams competing, and the girls came away with four wins and six losses.

"We were pleased with the girls playing, our blockers made leaps in their game this tournament, the team as a whole worked well and our hitters were feeling more comfortable," she said. "And, two of our wins were taken off of the tough Florence Falcons who tied for first in the tournament."

The Lady Bulldogs host Troy on Saturday.