Charlo wins fifth district championship in a row

The Lady Vikings won three matches at the Western 14C District Tournament on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 26-27. It was Charlo’s fifth district championship in a row and sixth regular season championship.

“I feel extremely confident in this team going into Divisionals,” Charlo Head Coach Rhondell Volinkaty said. “I think we are reaching our peak performance at the perfect time. These girls have a newfound fire to win and make statements.”

In the past six years, Charlo has amassed a record of 116-24 with Volinkaty as coach.

Charlo opened the district tournament with a 25-22, 25-4, 25-15 victory over St. Regis. Aida Cote led the Lady Vikings with nine kills, while Leah Cahoon had seven kills. Cote also had three blocks, while Shonlea Matt had 14 digs, and Cahoon had 12.

Karly Alder had nine assists and four aces, while Bryanne Zempel had seven assists. Darcy Coleman and Cahoon notched three aces apiece.

The next day, the Lady Vikings faced off against Hot Springs and defeated them 25-23, 25-18, 25-14. Matt notched 15 digs, and Cahoon had 12. Alder helped Charlo with 15 assists, while Cote had 10 kills and four blocks. Cahoon also had three blocks, and Coleman had three aces.

This advanced Charlo to the first championship match, which Hot Springs won 14-25, 25-20, 26-24, 25-21. Cote and Cahoon had seven kills, and Cahoon also picked up seven blocks in the matchup. Shonlea Matt had 30 digs, while Cahoon had 15. Alder put up 15 assists and four aces.

Since it was a double elimination tournament, Charlo played Hot Springs again, and this time around, the Lady Vikings proved victorious to win the Western 14C district tournament 25-6, 25-11, 25-13.

Cote was again the offensive leader with seven kills, and Cahoon had five. Cote also had three blocks while Matt had 16 digs, Alder had 11 assists, and Coleman had six aces.

“All of my seniors stepped up at districts and led the floor,” Volinkaty said. “Kathy Alder is playing through a knee injury, and it hasn’t slowed her down at all. Aida Cote had a great tournament. Darcy Coleman had some key kills and serves to bring the momentum back to us.”

Volinkaty added that Aubrey Sharbono kept the ball in play and delivered some great serves, while Shonlea Matt was unstoppable on defense and had very few errors, which helped Charlo’s hitters tremendously.

“Brielle Zempel had brought the energy the last half of the season, and that didn’t stop this weekend,” Volinkaty said. “Freshman Graciela Hawk has become a key component to keeping us ahead with her great serves and passing. Off the bench, the McDonald sisters have done their jobs when on the floor, and you can’t even tell they aren’t starters.”

Volinkaty added that Zempel stepped up impressively after Alder’s injury during the tournament.

“I’m confident when putting any of my girls on the floor,” Volinkaty said. “I am so proud of them all.”

    Charlo's Leah Cahoon prepares to serve during the 14C Tournament. (Michelle Sharbono photo)
  

    Lady Viking Darcy Coleman returns the ball to Hot Springs in 14C tournament action. (Michelle Sharbono photo)