Kats drop two, riding the learning curve
<p>Wildkat Hope Burlage (20) taps the ball over the net against Frenchtown.</p>
The Columbia Falls volleyball team is working hard but not getting much in the win column. The girls lost at home on Sept. 18 to Stillwater Christian School in three games, 25-17, 25-18, 25-20, and then to Frenchtown at home on Sept. 22 in three games, 25-16, 25-16, 25-22.
The Wildkats are now 1-6 overall but look to bounce back this week against the Lady Loggers in Libby this Saturday. The Kats beat Libby earlier this year.
While the win-loss record isn’t great, the girls are working hard, coach Addy Connelly said.
“They’re doing a great job of transferring what we do in practice to the game,” Connelly said.
The team is also young — several sophomores start each game — and they’re dealing with some injuries. Haley Belgarde and Ciera Finberg have both had ankle problems this season.
Against Frenchtown, the girls had a tough time adjusting to the Broncs’ serve. The Kats would spot the Broncs a lead, then go on a nice little run of their own but fall short in the end.
Columbia Falls actually led the Broncs in the kills column with 20, compared to Frenchtown’s 10, but Frenchtown served up 12 aces.
Frenchtown def. Columbia Falls, 25-16, 25-16, 25-22.
Kills – Frenchtown 30 (Jadan Ross 10), Columbia Falls 20 (Hope Burlage 5, Haley Belgarde 5). Blocks – Frenchtown 5 (Haley Cyr 2), Columbia Falls 5 (Ciera Finberg 2). Digs – Frenchtown 34 (Ross 12), Columbia Falls 26 (Belgarde 7). Assists – Frenchtown 26 (Josie Anderson 21), Columbia Falls 18 (Alli Dierenfield 13). Aces – Frenchtown 12 (Ross 4), Columbia Falls 8 (Winter Kemppainen 3, Belgrade 3).
Stillwater Christian def. Columbia Falls, 25-17, 25-18, 25-20.
Kills – Stillwater Christian u/a (Jordan Danz 11, Sarah Paolini 11), Columbia Falls 25 (Haley Belgarde 9). Blocks – Stillwater Christian u/a, Columbia Falls 4 (Hope Burlage 2). Digs – Stillwater Christian u/a (Danz 10, Paolini 10), Columbia Falls 46 (Tiffany Hummer 19). Assists – Stillwater Christian u/a (Morgan Paolini 24), Columbia Falls 21 (Alli Dierenfield 12). Aces – Stillwater Christian u/a (M. Paolini 3), Columbia Falls 6 (Hummer 2).