Three Wildkats named All-State in volleyball

Three members of the Class A state volleyball runners-up Columbia Falls Wildkats have been named to the All-State volleyball team, announced on Monday. The Polson Pirates and Ronan Maidens each had one All-State selection.

Wildkat senior Madysen Hoerner was named Northwest A MVP as well as All-State and first team All-Conference. Hoerner led the 19-2 Wildkats with a .334 kill percentage going into last weekend’s state tournament. She had 13 kills in the championship match. Billings Central defeated Columbia Falls in straight sets, 25-23, 25-21, 25-15.

Teammates joining Hoerner on the All-State squad are seniors Hannah Schweikert and Dillen Hoerner. Schweikert went into the state tournament leading the state in service aces and second in assists. Dillen Hoerner had a .290 kill percentage prior to last weekend.

Polson’s Maggie Todd and Ronan’s Madeline McCrea, both seniors, round out the group. Whitefish senior Brook Smith was also first team All-Conference.

Columbia Falls also had two on the second team — Lauren Falkner and Jazzy Marino. Head coach Jolandie Brooks was named Coach of the year.

Other local athletes on the second team were Ember Rode and Olivia Gilliam-Smith of Libby, Berkley Ellis of Polson and Leina Ulutoa of Ronan.

Honorable mention were Kobbey Smith,, Ara Mercer and Hallie Moss of Polson, Olivia Clairmont and Rylie Lindquist of Ronan and Mikenna Ells of Whitefish.