Hendren's return carries Scarlets past Hot Springs
ARLEE — The Scarlets got back a vital piece of their team on Saturday with the return of senior leader Mahalia Hendren, who helped propel her team to a 3-1 victory over Hot Springs after a 3-0 loss to Noxon last Thursday.
ARLEE — The Scarlets got back a vital piece of their team on Saturday with the return of senior leader Mahalia Hendren, who helped propel her team to a 3-1 victory over Hot Springs after a 3-0 loss to Noxon last Thursday.
Arlee head coach Brian BigSam said that although the team “performed well” against Noxon, Hendren’s absence was noticeable.
“They were kind of feeling out of sync, because Mahalia still wasn’t there,” BigSam said.
Hendren was still nursing a sprained ankle that she had suffered two weeks prior against Charlo.
As a result, the team struggled to tame Noxon and were swept 25-13, 25-14, 25-20.
Freshman Morgan Malatare topped Arlee players in both blocks (two) and aces (two) on the night.
Bailey Rice double-dipped as well, leading the team in assists with five and tying for the team lead in digs with Whitney Malatare after the two posted six apiece.
Alexis Shick and Violet Pablo also tied with six kills each, accounting for 12 of the teams 17 on the night.
Hendren was finally cleared to play going into Hot Springs game on Saturday and made an immediate impact, as the Arlee beat the Savage Heat 26-24, 15-25, 25-23, 25-10.
“[Hendren] keeps the girls focused while they’re on the court,” BigSam said. “She’s just a force mentally and physically out there.”
Hendren went on to top the team in blocks against Hot Springs with two while also racking up 10 kills, three aces and a pair of assists in the match.
BigSam also said that with Hendren back in the lineup, the team “came together” and started to click again.
Pablo was certainly “clicking,” as she would turn in 10 aces on the night to go with her 14 kills and five digs, all of which were team highs.
“Her serves were tremendous,” BigSam said. “She’s an amazing server. She’s one of those all-around players and she’s stepping up at the right time.”
Rice led the Scarlets in assists again after tallying 13 with Morgan Malatare adding seven of her own to the mix.
Whitney Malatare had a strong offensive showing as well, notching nine kills on the night.
The team’s resurgence has come at a perfect time, as its next match will be at the district tournament.
Arlee will be hosting the tournament on Oct. 26 and 27, something BigSam believes will only help the Scarlets.
“Anytime you can play on your turf for a tournament, it’s a plus for anybody,” BigSam said. “We’re just going to take full advantage of that.”
While the competition will be stiff, BigSam is confident Arlee (7-9, 6-6) will have a chance for the title, especially being at full strength once again.
“[Our goal] is to be one of the top ones coming out of the tournament and making it to divisionals,” BigSam said. “As long as [the players] can bring their game to tournaments we should be fine”