Spikers fall to Libby, Polson
Shay Grilley and Kayla DeWit go up for a block against Polson last week. (Chris Peterson photo)
Columbia Falls ended its volleyball season with two losses, dropping a match to undefeated Polson last Thursday and to Libby last Friday.
The Kats avoided a clean sweep against Polson, 25-14, 25-13, 21-25, 25-19, but lost three straight to the Loggers, 25-15, 25-18, 25-19.
The Kats finished 2-6 in conference play and 4-9 overall.
The Kats matched the Loggers in most statistical categories, but Libby held a big edge in aces, 19-4.
Among the Kats' highlights: Brooke Cady scored eight kills against the Pirates and seven against Libby.
Shay Grilley had 17 assists against the Pirates.
The Kats now will try to make a mark at the divisional tournament, where they open play with against Ronan tonight (Thursday) at 7 p.m. in Libby.
They've had success with Ronan in the past — it's the one team they've beat in conference.
Despite the losses last week, coach Addy Hines is seeing improvement.
"They played the best volleyball I've seen all year," she said.
Hines said the girls have had a good week of practice and are ready to go.
"Overall, I'm pleased where we are headed," she said.
She also noted that Danielle Gilley and Skiles had solid games last week, which is a plus.
If they win that game, they would face Polson at 1 p.m. Friday.
Kills - Polson 52 (Breanne Kelley 14), Columbia Falls 24 (Brooke Cady 8).
Blocks - Polson 5 (Sallie Sams 3), Columbia Falls 9 (Kayla DeWit 4).
Digs - Polson 77 (Staci Benson 19), Columbia Falls 52 (Cassidee Skiles 15).
Assists - Polson 40 (Kayla Duford 33), Columbia Falls 18 (Shay Grilley 17).
Aces - Polson 11 (Duford 4), Columbia Falls 9 (DeWit 5).
Kills -Libby 26 (Jackie Mee 12, Alex Kulbeck 5), Columbia Falls 25 (Danielle Gilley 8, Brooke Cady 7).
Assists - Libby 24 (Evi Cernick 23), Columbia Falls 21 (Shay Grilley 21).
Blocks - Libby 2 (Mee, Kulbeck), Columbia Falls 3 (Cady 2)
Digs - Libby 38 (Alysha Martin 9, Logan Best 9), Columbia Falls 43 (Cady 11)
Aces - Libby 19 (Cernick 4, Martin 4, Kulbeck 4), Columbia Falls 8 (Cady 3, S. Grilley 2).