Lady Dogs miss state berth

The Lady Bulldogs entered the Northwestern A divisional volleyball tournament as the No. 1 seed with their eyes set on a state playoff berth. What they didn’t see coming was a young and athletic No. 4 seeded Frenchtown team that cut through the competition like a buzz saw.

Whitefish had to face the tournament-host Broncs in their first match Friday. A quick first set led to a tight second frame. Whitefish pulled the score to within 24-23 before dropping the next point to give the Broncs a huge momentum boost. The third frame was never as close as Whitefish lost their first match of the season to a league opponent.

Frenchtown would go undefeated in the tourney and earn the No. 1 seed to the state playoffs in Bozeman.

“Frenchtown just improved so much over the season,” Whitefish coach Sarah Scott said. “I’m not too surprised at how good they were.”

The loss put Whitefish in the loser-out bracket where they would face Columbia Falls on Saturday. Again, they met a team on the rise.

The rival No. 5 seeded Wildkats dispatched Whitefish in three quick sets en route to taking second place in the tourney.

“The girls had a really tough time bouncing back after Friday’s loss to Frenchtown,” Scott said. “Their confidence was jarred. I knew if we could win one game against the Kats our mentality would switch, but we just couldn’t pull that off.”

Baylee Tveidt led the team off the bench with eight of the Dogs’ 28 kills against the Kats. Bekah Weaver tallied 17 assists and two aces.

Despite the early exit from the postseason, Whitefish had a remarkable run with an 11-2 regular season record and a perfect 8-0 record in conference play.

“It was an amazing season,” Scott said. “The seniors and I have both grown up, as players and as a coach. This is a special group.”

Scott commended each of the seniors for a great year.

“Kelsey McFadden has always been a consistent part of Whitefish volleyball — she grew up in the ball cart. She’s always had the vision of being a state champ, and has brought that vision to the team of who we could be.”

“Lindsey Viscomi epitomizes the love of the game. She always plays at 100 percent. The younger girls looked up to her as someone who just really enjoys being on the court.”

“Ryan Chauner stepped up in her confidence this year. She’s fought so hard for her position. I can’t tell you how impressed I am with her unwillingness to give up.”

“Sheila Murphy has been a great team bonder for us. She knows how to bring girls together and build a team.”

“Baylee Tveidt brought her play to a totally different level this year. She is truly a fighter with a real competitive spirit. We saw that this weekend.”

Scott is encouraged by the youth on the roster and says next year could be another good run for Whitefish volleyball.

“We have a ton of talent coming up,” Scott said. “A lot of our younger girls improved so much. I’m excited about next season.”

Scott thanked the community for their support this season, and noted the student bus that traveled to Frenchtown for Friday’s match.

Frenchtown def. Whitefish, 25-16, 25-23, 25-18.

Kills – Frenchtown 32 (Jadan Ross 10), Whitefish 23 (Emily Sullivan n/a). Blocks – Frenchtown 5 (Morgan Ray 2, Haley Cyr 2), Whitefish 4 (Sullivan n/a). Digs – Frenchtown 39 (Ray 15), Whitefish 36 (Kelsey McFadden n/a). Assists – Frenchtown 29 (Cyr 15), Whitefish 10 (Bekah Weaver n/a). Aces – Frenchtown 4 (Vanessa Stavish 2), Whitefish 5 (Lindsey Viscomi n/a).

Columbia Falls def. Whitefish, 25-17, 25-22, 25-21.

Kills – Columbia Falls 22 (Hope Burlage, Haley Belgarde 8), Whitefish 28 (Baylee Tveidt 8). Blocks – Columbia Falls 6 (Belgarde 4), Whitefish 2 (two with 1). Digs – Columbia Falls 51 (Tiffany Hummer 20), Whitefish 2 (Emily Sullivan, Tveidt). Assists – Columbia Falls 23 (Alli Dierenfield 12), Whitefish 18 (Bekah Weaver 17). Aces – Columbia Falls 5 (Ashton Berta 2), Whitefish 5 (Weaver 3).