Season in Review: Bulldogs dug in against tough slate

Lady Bulldog volleyball didn't shy away from tackling tough scheduling this past season.

The conference slate pitted Mission (6-15) against tough teams like Thompson Falls and Eureka. Their nonconference competition was equally formidable: three contests against Class A Ronan along with Polson and a match against then-undefeated Charlo.

The Lady Bulldogs gained the upper hand in their cross-county series sweep of Arlee and latched the door on lockdown against the Wardens of Deer Lodge.

The team had to negotiate its share of pandemic-related modifications along the way when matches against then=undefeated Anaconda and perennial contender Florence were cancelled.

Mission showed measurable improvement as the season progressed, managing to push several of their opponents the second time around despite coming out on the short end of the match. They took a set from Bigfork and extended a set into extras against Thompson Falls.

The Lady Bulldog offense featured a two-pronged attack at the net with spikers Sydney Brander and Kooper Page, who together collaborated on over 300 kills. Maysa Couture not only set the table with assists, but also rocked the service line with more than five dozen service aces.

The team’s leading blocker was Keana Thomas with over 20 total blocks, while Ella Arlint was a defensive leader with close to 200 digs.

Mission graduates two-time first-teamer Syd Brander along with second-teamers Keana Thomas and Ella Arlint. Over the course of her prep volleyball career, Brander spiked over 500 career kills.