Volleyball: Stillwater spikes Bigfork

BIGFORK — Sarah Paolini had 22 kills and Dori Smith had team highs in assists, 32, and aces, three, as Stillwater Christian School beat Bigfork 25-23, 25-17, 18-25, 29-27 in nonconference volleyball play Thursday.

Bigfork coach Melody Strauss was pleased with her team’s showing against a tough foe.

“The girls played with heart, enthusiasm and determination,” she said.

“They didn’t give up. That was a really big improvement on the way we started out last year.”

One trouble spot for the Valkyries was “keeping the ball in the court.”

Marissa Hiza had 12 kills and 12 digs for Bigfork — both team bests.

Bigfork plays Ronan and Deer Lodge on Saturday in Ronan. Stillwater has its Cougar Classic today and Saturday.

Kills — Stillwater 45 (Sarah Paolini 22), Bigfork 24 (Marissa Hiza 12); Blocks — Stillwater 2 (NA), Bigfork NA; Assists — Stillwater 40 (Dori Smith 32), Bigfork 30 (Kalia Wicklund 20; Digs — Stillwater 67 (Sophie George 15), Bigfork 40 (Hiza 12); Aces — Stillwater 8 (Smith 3), Bigfork 12 (Kayla Caselegno 3).