Polson improves at tourney
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MISSOULA – The Polson Lady Pirate volleyball team faced some stiff competition this weekend as they headed to Missoula to play in the annual invitational tournament. Polson was the only Class A team invited to the tournament, and head coach Jan Toth was extremely proud of how her girls performed.
“We had to play a much quicker tempo in order to compete with the Class AA teams,” Toth said. “It took us a few too many games to adjust our defense; however, when we did adjust, we were right in most of the games.”
During Friday’s pool play, Polson first fell to Hellgate, who won 18-14, before falling again to Helena 18-9.
Things started looking up for Polson as they rallied to beat Columbia Falls 18-10 during their third game of the day. Glacier High then downed the Lady Pirates 18-12, 18-9.
Polson then picked up two wins, first against C.M. Russell 18-13, 18-17, before beating Libby 18-9, 18-16.
“Some of the scores do not reflect how well our girls played, but they gave their best effort and made the games fun and exciting,” Toth said.
During the Power bracket, Polson first faced off with Helena for a second time, where they fell in two games, 25-9, 25-22. Polson moved on to play Hellgate, where they pulled out a 2-1 win, 21-25, 25-23, 25-20.
Toth said Riley Kenney had a good showing, doing an excellent job finding the open court.
“She adjusted to the quick tempo of the game by stepping and slowing down balls with her block,” Toth said. “We are definitely small in size when you are facing hitters all over 6 feet tall.”
The Lady Pirates finished the day in third place behind Kalispell’s Glacier and Helena.
On Saturday, the Lady Pirates began their opening round of the championship bracket against Great Falls, where they came up short, losing 25-10, 25-13. The loss moved Polson to the loser-out bracket, where Polson was toppled by Butte 25-15, 25-23.
“Shay Duford, MacKenzie Banner and Macall Banner had an excellent defensive tournament,” Toth added. “It was so fun to watch all the girls come alive and have fun, gaining the confidence it takes in the setting position to take it to a new level.”
The Lady Pirates continue their season on Thursday playing Dillon on the road, and facing off with Stevensville at home on Saturday.
SUMMARY
Scores for Pool Play; 6-6 record
Win vs. Columbia Falls 18-10, 18-17
Loss vs. Glacier 12-18, 9-18
Win vs. CMR 18-13, 18-17
Win vs. Libby 18-9, 18-16
Loss vs. Hellgate 13-18, 17-18
Loss vs. Helena High 9-18, 10-18
Scores for Power Pool Play; 2-2 record
Loss vs. Helena High 9-25, 22-25
Win vs. Hellgate 21-15, 25-23, 25-20
Tournament Scores 0-2 record
Loss vs. Great Falls High 10-25, 13-25
Loss vs. Butte 17-25, 23-25
Tournament Stat Leaders: Kills - Riley Kenney 42, Assists - Shalaina Duford 124, Digs-Shalaina Duford 76, Aces - Ashley Johnson 7
