Polson gets in groove

POLSON — Polson volleyball head coach Jan Toth is able to smile during matches.

Her team is formidable in every way, allowing Toth to relax at times.

“We have strength in every rotation,” Toth said. “It lets a coach sit back a little bit. Last year, we had one or two weak rotations.”

With two wins last week, Polson’s volleyball team has continued their undefeated streak.

The Pirates (5-0) beat Thompson falls 25-11, 25-15, 25-20 before taking Whitefish down in three sets, 25-16, 25-10, 25-18.

Against Thompson Falls, the Pirates controlled the ball the whole game, Toth said.

“Right now, our level of play is where I knew it could be,” she said. “We are not letting down when playing teams that have less caliber players.”

Thompson Falls made Polson work defensively, but the Pirates held strong and got the win.

Junior setter Kayla Duford was able to use every hitter during the game, showing the power of the Pirates.

Junior hitter Breanne Kelley had two blocks and five aces. Senior outside hitter Nicole Davey had 10 kills and 14 digs.

When Polson played Whitefish last Saturday, the atmosphere was more tense.

“Whitefish has reigned for so long that whenever we play them, it’s intense,” Toth said.

Polson came out strong and never looked back.

“Often we don’t play our best matches against them,” Toth said. “It takes a lot to beat them.”

Senior libero Staci Benson led the team with 23 digs while Davey had 18 digs and led with 14 kills. Kelley’s serves were spot on as she recorded seven aces.

The Pirate’s strong rotations out-played Whitefish for the win. In the beginning of the season, it took Polson five sets to beat Whitefish. This time, the Pirates only needed three.

“This year, there’s not one rotation we’re worried about,” she said.

The Pirates travel to Libby on Saturday.