Tip-off gets teams on court
<p>Ronan’s Kendra Starkel serves during Saturday’s tournament.</p>
ST. IGNATIUS — Mission’s tip-off volleyball tournament hosted a number of area Class B teams on Saturday.
The teams played a round-robin format of two-set games. The Bulldogs hosted Ronan, Plains, Thompson Falls, Deer Lodge, Troy, Stillwater Christian, Bigfork and Eureka.
Mission was able to split sets with Eureka but fell to Thompson Falls, Troy and Plains.
“We are going to work on our [serve] receive and communication this week,” said Mission coach Kendal Anderson. Her Bulldogs will host Ronan on Thursday and travel to Troy on Saturday.
Ronan fared a little better under new head coach Adrienna DeCock. The Maidens swept Troy and split with Bigfork, Eureka and Thompson Falls.
“It was evident in our performance that we have the basic skills needed to be competitive, and the girls have the will to win,” DeCock said. “However, they struggle to stay on top and finish a set when they hold the lead.”
She was most impressed with the depth she has.
“I am fortunate enough to have 5 powerful hitters that I can rely on to make a key play when needed,” DeCock said.
DeCock didn’t leave out the work that needs to be done, though. She mentioned working on quickness and anticipation.
“We could always improve our passing so that we can improve (quicken) our offense,” she said.
After seeing what her team has on the floor, DeCock said she hopes to finish in the top three in District 7-B. A third-place finish or better will ensure her girls a spot in divisionals.
“After that, you’re just playing for seeding.”
PHILIPSBURG — Both Charlo and Arlee’s volleyball teams traveled to Granite High School to participate in a volleyball jamboree on Saturday.
The Vikings split sets with St. Regis, Shields Valley and Granite. They swept Arlee.
“We are working on rotation, chemistry and communication, and I’m confident that it’ll all come together,” Charlo coach Sheryl Kain wrote in an email.
Arlee posted a 5-3 record in the morning as well, but lost out in the bracket section of the tournament in the afternoon.
Coach Brian BigSam said he is quite happy with his team’s progress. The two teams will meet in a league match tonight in Arlee.