Mission plays tough, ends run at Divisionals

Mission fell in two matches at the Western B Divisional Volleyball Tournament on Wednesday and Thursday, Nov. 1-2. In their first-round matchup, they dropped three sets to Anaconda, and then in Thursday’s morning consolation game, they fell to Deer Lodge in four sets, concluding their 2023 season.

“Divisionals was overall a great experience,” Mission Head Coach Marissa Mock said. “All teams brought their A-game. It made the games fun and exciting to watch.”

Against Anaconda, the Lady Bulldogs were swept 29-27, 25-13, 25-11. Alexia Steele led Mission with eight kills, while Jada Domebo had 12 assists. Kensey Burke collected 13 digs.

Deer Lodge defeated Mission 25-17, 25-18, 23-25, 25-21 the next day. The Lady Bulldog attack was led by Izzy Evans’ 10 kills and Alecia Steele’s nine kills.

The team had 91 digs, with Evans having 23 of them. Rowan McElderry had three blocks, while Domebo had 14 assists.

“I was impressed with Alecia Steele and Rowan McElderry,” Mock said. “Overall, at the net, these two were reading open spots and swinging hard every single time the ball was set to them. Defensively, Izzy Evans was making great digs and covering gaps on the floor where no one was getting to the ball.”

The Lady Bulldogs graduate five seniors – one who played JV and one who broke her ankle at the beginning of the season.

“The expectations going into next year is to continue to grow the players by working in the off-season and getting the players into camps,” Mock said. “As a program, we have made strides, and I know we can continue to build up.”

Also, the Mission Valley All-Star Volleyball Game will take place in Mission on Monday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. There is a $3 admission fee or two non-perishable items. All proceeds go to the local food bank in Mission. Players will be from Mission, Plains, Ronan, Arlee, Two Eagle, Polson, and Charlo.