Stillwater spikers roll in semis; eye another state championship

BOZEMAN — Stillwater Christian School moved one match closer to claiming its sixth straight Montana Christian Athletic Association state volleyball championship.

The Cougars (22-2) defeated Great Falls Home School 25-16, 25-13, 25-13 in semifinal play Friday evening at Chief Joseph Middle School.

The tournament was moved from Heritage Christian School, the host school, after its gymnasium was damaged by fire Thursday evening.

The semifinal match was originally set for 5 p.m. It actually took place at 7 p.m. at the new venue.

Stillwater coach Diane Smith said the fire has been classified as arson. She said a suspect is in custody.

The distraction did little to slow down Stillwater’s high-powered attack.

 “We came away with no regrets tonight,”  Smith said.

“My backrow defense played with intense passion. They created all kinds of opportunities for sweet offensive plays.”

Sarah Paolini had a career best 25 kills to go with two blocks. The Cougars finished with 41 kills as a team.

Courtney Beaver added six kills and a team-high four aces.

Smith said the Cougars used long runs to empty the bench during the semifinal match and the team still performed at a very high level.

Stillwater Christian def. Great Falls Home School

25-16, 25-13, 25-13

    Kills — Stillwater 41 (Sarah Paolini 25, Courtney Beaver 6); Blocks — Stillwater 3 (Paolini 2); Assists — Stillwater 35 (Dorothy Smith 31); Digs — Stillwater 38 (Adrianna Lambert 9); Aces — Stillwater 13 (Beaver 4).