Stacked Loyola team defeats Eureka

The Daily Inter Lake

Eurekas volleyball team lost a thrilling match to powerhouse Loyola Friday night in Missoula during the Western B Divisionals 20-25, 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 10-15.

It was incredible volleyball, Lions coach Rhonda Hammond said. You hate to see a loser.

Two of Loyolas players have already made commitments to play at the University of Montana, and the team is tough to beat.

Ali Zauner played her heart out for Eureka and got a little banged up when she ran into the referree stand chasing a ball.

Shell be OK. Shes tough, Hammond said. She gives more than 100 percent.

Amy Roberts also helped carry the Lions, posting 29 kills, 20 digs and six aces. The girls are tired from the match, but they are still in good spirits.

Eureka will face Thompson Falls today at noon. The Lions must win to earn a trip to state.

Last year, Thompson Falls upset the Lions at divisionals even though Eureka beat them four times in the regular season.

If Eureka wins today, the team will have another shot at Loyola to determine who will go to state ranked first in the West.

Hammond believes her girls have good shot at beating Thompson Falls.

If they play close to how they played tonight, theyll do fine, she said. They have so much heart.

Loyola def. Eureka

20-25 25-23 22-25 25-22 10-15

Kills E 47 (Amy Roberts 29)

Blocks E 7 (Ali Zauner 4)

Assists E 37 (Zauner 35)

Digs E 68 (Roberts 20)

Aces E 21 (Roberts 6, Flannery 6)