SCS spikers, kickers looking to repeat at state

MCAA volleyball, soccer tournament action begins Thursday in Billings

Stillwater Christian School coach Dave Shawback can't remember the last time an Eastern Division team won a Montana Christian Athletic Association state volleyball championship.

And it might be at least another year before it does happen because Stillwater will be looking for a 3-peat this weekend in Billings at the state tournament. The Cougars are heavy favorites and will be toting a 24-1 mark to the three-day event at the Castle Rock Complex.

Stillwater and Flathead Valley Home School have been responsible for every MCAA state title the last five years. FVHS won it in 2002 and 2004. Stillwater also won it in 2003.

"I just think there is good volleyball here (Northwestestern Montana) all the time," Shawback said.

"We're competing against schools where it brings the best out in you."

Stillwater scheduled just nine matches against MCAA opponents this year. The rest of the slate featured varsity teams in MHSA's Class B and C ranks and junior varsity teams in AA and A.

"The level of competition we've had this year has been outstanding," Shawback said.

"We've had a great schedule."

Stillwater finished MCAA Western Division play with an 8-0 mark.

The Cougars have three senior starters in Nichole Danz (leads the team in aces, 70, and digs, 248), Sarah Meerkatz, a defensive specialist, and Meaghan Johnson, a middle blocker.

Danz has been a varsity performer for four years.

Julia Bray, sophomore middle blocker, leads the team in kills, 164, and blocks, 54.

Abby Smith, junior setter, is first on the team in assists, 581.

"She does an awesome job at directing our offense," Shawback said of Smith.

Stillwater opens state play Thursday at 12:30 p.m. versus Great Falls Home School. The Cougars faced GFHS in the Cougar Classic back in September and won in four games, 25-10, 25-11, 24-26, 25-20.

Flathead Valley Home School, 13-6 overall, wound up as the No. 3 seed from the Western Division.

FVHS begins state play Thursday at 11 a.m. versus Gallatin Valley Home School. Gallatin Valley is the No. 2 seed from the Eastern Division.

The Crusaders finished second at state last year, falling to SCS 25-19, 25-19, 19-25, 25-8 in the title match.

Danae Sheeran and Jenna Sladek had been forces along the net for the Crusaders, leading in kills and blocks.

Shelby Sladek, Lauren Callan and Amanda Jarvis have been other key contributors.

First-round wins for Stillwater and Flathead Valley will have those two foes facing off at 8 p.m. on Thursday.

The championship game is set for 2:30 p.m.

Stillwater's soccer team will be shooting for its sixth straight MCAA state championship, also in Billings this weekend.

The Cougars are 6-0 in league play and 13-5-1 overall. They have won 24-straight conference games.

"This is a young group," said SCS coach Tim Anderson.

"We have had many players step up and make big plays when they have needed to. And they listen well and truly work together as a team."

Stillwater opens state play Thursday at 4:30 p.m. versus Rimrock Christian High School. Rimrock is the No. 4 seed from the Eastern Division.

The championship match is scheduled for Saturday at 12:30 p.m.

Zach George leads SCS in scoring, 18 goals. He's also the lone senior in the lineup.

Sophomore Ryan Thompson is next with 15 goals. He leads the team in assists with 17.

"This combo (George and Thompson) has filled a huge void on offense with the loss of seven seniors and nine varsity players from last year," Anderson said.

"David Wirth at sweeper and Brenton Hemp at stopper have anchored a solid defense. Tim Butterfield (keeper) has worked hard and made some big saves in key conference and nonconference games."

Wirth had two goals for SCS in last year's title match, a 7-1 victory over Yellowstone County Home School.

George was a second team all-state tournament selection in 2006.

MCAA State

Thursday-Friday-Saturday

Castle Rock Complex

Billings

Volleyball

Thursday

8 a.m. - Missoula Home School vs. Rimrock Christian High School

9:30 a.m. - Yellowstone County Home School vs. Helena Christian School

11 a.m. - Gallatin Valley Home School vs. Flathead Valley Home School

12:30 p.m. - Stillwater Christian School vs. Great Falls Home School

Soccer

Thursday

Noon - Yellowstone County Home School vs. Butte Home School

1:30 p.m. - Helena Christian School vs. Great Falls Home School

p.m. - Foothills Christian School vs. Mission Valley Christian Academy

4:30 p.m. - Stillwater Christian School vs. Rimrock Christian High School