Polson volleyball takes 2nd at tourney
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ANACONDA - The Polson Lady Pirate volleyball team came out strong and played a consistent tournament this past weekend in Anaconda at the Tip Off Tournament. After a full day of competition on Friday, the Lady Pirates ended up 4-6.
“We came out strong and ready to defend our last year’s championship, downing a much improved Butte Central Maroon’s team,” head coach Jan Toth said.
The Pirates defense was untouchable, Toth said.
“Nothing hit our floor without a hand on it,” Toth said.
The Lady Pirates dominated the two games against Butte Central, winning 25-19, 25-23. With less than 30-minutes to rest, Polson hit the hardwood again to play Corvallis, where the two teams split, 21-25, 25-19.
Next up, Polson split with Anaconda 22-25, 25-23, before taking on a talented Hamilton team. The Broncs came out strong, downing Polson 25-19, 25-23. Things didn’t get any easier for the Lady Pirates, as they played the scrappy, hard-hitting Stevensville team. Stevensville prevailed, winning 30-29, 25-19.
“We gave it all we had,” Toth said. “I was so proud of our blockers for remaining tough throughout that match. They have one of the best hitters in the state, and we did a great job containing her.”
On Saturday, the Pirates continued their pool play, making short work of the Dillon Beavers, winning 25-16, 25-7. With the win, the pool for the northwest conference was in a three way tie between Polson, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls. This gave Polson their third championship match in the Tip Off Tournament in three years.
The Pirates matched up again with the Southwest champions, the Hamilton Broncs, who were ready to play, easily handing the Pirates a defeat in the first match 25-12.
“We didn’t get beat, we beat ourselves with more serve receive errors than I could count” Toth said. “I think my girls were stunned, they just couldn’t get anything going, however, we came out ready to give the Broncs a fight.”
The Lady Pirates utilized the powerhouse combination from setter Shalaina Duford and hitter Riley Kenney. Duford gave the ball to Kenney, who would find gaps in the Hamilton defense. This time, the outcome was in favor of Polson, who won big, 25-11.
“Our momentum was unstoppable,” Toth said.
According to Toth, the momentum that was so powerful in the second game got the best of her team in the third match, loosing quickly, 15-3.
Although the Pirates lost the championship, Toth believes her team used the tournament as a valuable learning experience.
“I was very impressed with each of my girls, they had many moment of glory,” Toth said.
The Pirates travel to Columbia Falls on Thursday, Sept. 15.
