Unbeaten Stillwater Christian spikes Bigfork
BIGFORK — The unbeaten Stillwater Christian volleyball team swept struggling Bigfork in straight sets Thursday, 25-11, 25-6, 25-8, in a nonconference match that was over in less than an hour.
Stillwater (18-0 overall, 6-0 MCAA), which has won the last three Montana Christian Athletic Association state titles, was in control from start to finish, jumping out to big leads in all three sets. The Cougars had a brief letdown in the first set when they gave away five points on errors, but recovered to finish strong.
“I think we came together (after the first set),” Stillwater setter Morgan Paolini said. “When we get excited as a team, we really work together.”
Bigfork (1-11) struggled with its passing and gave Stillwater numerous free balls, which were punished by hitters Jordan Danz, Sarah Smith and Sarah Paolini. The result was a 32-3 difference in kills.
Even though Bigfork didn’t pose much of a challenge to the MCAA powerhouse, Danz said the Cougers were still able to work on their team unity.
“It doesn’t matter what happens on the other side of the court,” she said. “We can always improve as a team.”
Stillwater coach Diane Smith said that attitude has been a big part of her team’s success this season.
“The seniors are really holding the team together,” Smith said. “Our girls just enjoy being with one another, they enjoy playing together.”
Stillwater raced out to a 7-0 lead in the first set with a run that included two aces by Morgan Paolini and kills by Sarah Smith and Sarah Paolini. Bigfork’s Tessa Robertson served two aces in a four-point run that made the score 12-5 before Stillwater won 13 of the next 19 points to take the set.
Danz heated up in the second set, hitting five of her match-high 11 kills and tallying a block and an ace as the Cougars cruised to a 25-6 win.
Sarah Paolini sparked Stillwater early in the third set, opening with a kill, then rattling off six straight points on her serve. Bigfork won three of the next five points before the Cougars won 16 of the final 21 to take the set and the match.
Stillwater has four regular season matches remaining before it hosts the MCAA state tournament Oct. 25-27.
“I think we’re really starting to peak as we get closer to state,” Morgan Paolini said. “We’re getting really excited about it.”
Bigfork returns to the court Saturday at Thompson Falls.
Kills - Stillwater Christian 32 (Jordan Danz 11, Sarah Smith 7, Sarah Paolini 7), Bigfork 3 (Alanis Stallknecht 1, Lana Berg 1, Tessa Robertson 1). Assists - Stillwater Christian 27 (Morgan Paolini 25), Bigfork 1 (Josie Spoklie 1). Aces - Stillwater Christian 7 (Sarah Smith 4), Bigfork 2 (Tessa Robertson 2). Blocks - Stillwater Christian 2 (Danz 1, Sarah Paolini 1), Bigfork 1 (Lana Berg 1). Digs - Stillwater Christian 21 (Sarah Paolini 7), Bigfork 23 (Marissa Hiza 6).