Whitefish spikers blank Wildkats

The Lady Bulldogs picked up their second conference win last week with a decisive 3-0 sweep at Columbia Falls. Olivia Nagler led the volleyball squad with 18 assists, seven kills and eight digs as Whitefish cruised past the 'Kats, 25-15, 25-19, 25-18.

"Olivia had a great night for us," Whitefish coach Jackie Fuller said. "She's the quarterback who runs the offense. What I'm really proud of is that she was able to sit back and play some great defense."

Nagler is second in the league in total blocks and averages nearly six assists per game.

The squad is making improvements each match and playing well together as a unit, Fuller siad. She noted that the girls were solid from the service line at Columbia Falls, a marked improvement over their past games. Taylor Havens led Whitefish with two services aces.

"I do think the girls are working hard and getting better and better," Fuller said. "We're competitive in the conference and doing exactly what we need to do to be ready for the divisional tournament."

The Lady Bulldogs are looking as sharp as any team in the league. They lead all teams in digs and receiving and trail only Polson in total blocks, kills and assists.

Fuller said the team was excited to get the win over their cross-valley rival, the 'Kats, but noted that they need to play each conference club with the same energy. She cited Madison Tveidt and Heather Bailey for their strong performances in the win.

Bailey leads the league with 3.93 digs per game and has tallied 32 kills this season. Tveidt averages 2.79 digs a game and has put down 29 kills.

"They did a nice job out there, and we continue to count on them," Fuller said.

Whitefish hosts Libby on Oct. 2 in a conference match.

Whitefish def. Columbia Falls, 25-15, 25-19, 25-18.

Kills - Whitefish 29 (Heather Bailey 8), Columbia Falls 28 (Danielle Gilley 9). Blocks - Whitefish 8 (Olivia Nagler 4), Columbia Falls 3 (Gilley 2). Digs - Whitefish 38 (Nagler 8), Columbia Falls 47 (Gilley 12). Assists - Whitefish 28 (Nagler 18), Columbia Falls 24 (Hope Burlage 15). Aces - Whitefish 4 (Taylor Havens 2), Columbia Falls 2 (unavailable).