C-Falls spikers NW A champs
POLSON — Columbia Falls needed a second chance and capitalized on it to capture the Northwestern A divisional volleyball championship Saturday evening.
Columbia Falls came into the final day of the event as the lone unbeaten team in the double-elimination tournament. Once-beaten Frenchtown beat the Wildkats in the first title game 25-23, 25-19, 25-15, but Columbia Falls regrouped and battled back to win the second, 8-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-19.
“The girls went out and played with passion,” Columbia Falls coach Josie Brown said.
“Even when they lost and were down (the first set in the second title match), they played with their hearts. They wanted to do it and needed to do it.”
Brown says it’s the team’s first divisional crown in more than decade.
Columbia Falls and Frenchtown advance to the state tournament, which begins Thursday in Bozeman, for a second straight year.
Frenchtown won the divisional title last year.
“I just think the girls are starting to peak, finding their flow on the court and what works for them,” Brown said.
Frenchtown was unbeaten during the regular season in conference action. Columbia Falls lost to the Broncs twice.
“I’m very proud of the girls,” Brown said.
“And excited to go to state.”
FOURTH PLACE MATCH
Polson def. Libby, 3-0
Polson def. Libby,
25-17, 25-18, 25-21.
Kills – Libby 27 (Staci Reyh 7), Polson 35 (Chloie Huerta 12). Blocks – Libby 3 (3 tied with 1), Polson 3 (3 tied with 1). Digs – Libby 48 (Mahalah Wedel 14), Polson 67 (Jessica Hoel 12). Assists – Libby 26 (Hannah England 24), Polson 29 (Jaiden Toth 28). Aces – Libby 9 (Wedel 3, Bailie Rosling 3), Polson 5 (Jessica Bagnell 2).
THIRD PLACE MATCH
Frenchtown def. Polson, 3-0
Frenchtown def. Polson,
25-15, 25-12, 25-12.
Kills – Polson 33 (Hayley Fyant 9), Frenchtown 38 (Morgan Ray 15). Blocks – Polson 1 (Jaiden Toth 1), Frenchtown 9 (Faith Baur 5). Digs – Polson 58 (Taylor Davis 17), Frenchtown 31 (Hayley Cyr 7). Assists – Polson 26 (Jaiden Toth 26), Frenchtown 37 (Josie Andrews 13, Haley Cyr 13). Aces – Polson 2 (Fyant 2), Frenchtown 6 (Josie Anderson 3).
CHAMPIONSHIP 1
Frenchtown def. Columbia Falls, 3-0
Frenchtown def. Columbia Falls, 25-23, 25-19, 25-15.
Kills – Frenchtown 33 (Jadan Ross 9), C. Falls 33 (Haley Belgarde). Blocks – Frenchtown 10 (Morgan Ray 5), C. Falls 3 (Ciera Finberg). Digs – Frenchtown 40 (Lacey Hochhalter 11), C. Falls 62 (Shaylene Fishel). Assists – Frenchtown 30 (Josie Anderson 14), C. Falls 31 (Cydney Finberg). Aces – Frenchtown 10 (Vanessa Stavish 5), C. Falls 5 (Belgarde).
CHAMPIONSHIP 2
Columbia Falls def. Frenchtown 3-1
Columbia Falls def. Frenchtown, 8-25, 25-21, 25-23, 25-19.
Kills – Frenchtown 54 (Morgan Ray 15), C. Falls 41 (Haley Belgarde 11). Blocks – Frenchtown 11 (Ray 6), C. Falls 9 (Winter Kemppainean 3). Digs – Frenchtown 44 (Lacey Hochhalter 10), C. Falls 68 (Shay Fishel 18). Assists – Frenchtown 50 (Haley Cyr 28), C. Falls 28 (Cydney Finberg 25). Aces – Frenchtown 7 (Ray 3), C. Falls 8 (Ciera Finberg 5).