Vals end season with losses at divisionals

The Valkyries volleyball team didn't accomplish what they had hoped to at last week's Western B Divisional Tournament in Superior, as they lost out after just three matches in double-elimination play.

"Even though the ride is over, they had a good run," said Tammi McDaniel, Bigfork High School head volleyball coach. "Whether winning or losing, the girls did it with class and great character this season. They were great competitors on the court and ladies off the court. They can be proud of themselves for that. I know I am."

Bigfork's final loss came at the hands of Eureka, whom they beat out for the District 7B title the previous weekend in Troy. The Lady Lions and the Vals finished the regular season tied for first place with 9-1 records and both teams had their only losses from each other.

At the divisional tournament, Bigfork took the first game of the loser-out match, 25-23, but the Lady Lions narrowly won the next three games 25-21, 26-24 and 25-23.

"All four sets were close, hard-fought battles between teams that have battled each other hard during the regular season and in the post season," McDaniel said.

Emily Hardman led the Vals with 18 kills, Mallery Knoll was the leader in digs with 23 and Claire Wilken had 21 of the team's assists.

"We wanted it real bad that is for sure, and when the ball hit the floor to give Eureka the win, it was very emotional," McDaniel said. "We left it all on the court and I commend the girls for that. They never quit."

Eureka found themselves in the consolation bracket after losing to Florence 3-1 in the first round. Their second match of the tournament was against Thompson Falls, which they won 3-2.

After beating Bigfork, they moved on to face St. Ignatius and won 3-0 and finished the tournament in third place after losing to Deer Lodge 3-2. The Lady Wardens advanced to the championship game, where they were defeated by Loyola Sacred Heart, who remains undefeated this season.

Deer Lodge and Loyola will represent the Western B Division at the Class B State Tournament, which begins today, Nov. 12, in Bozeman

Bigfork was handed their first loss of the tournament by Deer Lodge on Friday night. Again, the Valkyries won the first game, this time 25-17, but then went on to lose the next three, 25-21, 25-12 and 25-17. In fact, after the first game, the Vals did not take a lead again for the remainder of the match.

"Our game against Deer Lodge was a hard fought battle against a bigger team," McDaniel said.

Hardman had 22 kills, Knoll contributed 10 digs and Wilken had 10 assists. Melissa VanDerveer helped out with four aces and the team's only block.

"We came out aggressive and won the first set," McDaniel said. "We didn't establish the middle and use it like I would have liked and it enabled them (Deer Lodge) to come up with some successful blocks. We became conservative and started tipping too much instead of moving the ball around and swinging away."

Bigfork played in the first game of the tournament Thursday morning, Nov. 3, and earned a swift victory over Valley Christian, 25-15, 25-11 and 25-14.

"We handled Valley Christian with considerable ease," McDaniel said. "The girls came out ready to play ball and got the job done in three quick games."

Wilken led with 16 assists and four aces, Hardman helped out with 11 kills and Kelly Deaton contributed 14 digs.

With the conclusion of the season comes the end of Bigfork volleyball for the six seniors in the program. The Vals will lose Hardman, Wilken, Deaton, Hillary Bilodeau, Nikie Bilodeau and Kyla Eike to graduation this spring.

"They left some pretty big shoes to fill next year," McDaniel said of the seniors. "They are such great role models, leaders and hard workers. All the seniors hold a special place in my heart. I will remember them all with fond memories."