Team chemistry keeps Lady Bulldogs on top

Whitefish’s volleyball squad remained perfect in conference play with another convincing win last week over perennial powerhouse Polson. The Lady Bulldogs bounced back from a first-set loss to take three straight for the 3-1 victory.

“It was a tough match,” Whitefish coach Sarah Scott said. “Every game was really close, but we pulled together and covered each other and pushed each other.

“Our strength right now is our team chemistry. The girls are working really well together.”

Baylee Tveidt led the Dogs against Polson in both digs and aces, while Emily Sullivan led in kills.

“Both Baylee and Emily have improved considerably this season,” Scott said. “Baylee is leading the defense in the back row and she didn’t play there at all last season. Her number of kills are down, but the ones she does have really leave an impact.

“Emily understands the game well beyond most sophomores and her confidence continues to build.”

Whitefish is now 6-2 overall, 5-0 in the league and two games up on Polson in the battle for the No. 1 seed in the divisional tourney. Columbia Falls is third at 3-2 in the league, followed by Frenchtown and Libby, both with one win.

“Seeding is important, but we also need to set our sights outside of the conference,” Scott said. “There are a lot of very good teams we have to prepare for. We can’t become complacent.”

Whitefish def. Polson, 21-25, 25-22, 25-20, 25-21.

Kills – Whitefish 48 (Emily Sullivan n/a), Polson 48 (Heidi Rausch 17). Blocks – Whitefish 2 (unavailable), Polson 4 (Rausch 2). Digs – Whitefish 53 (Baylee Tveidt n/a), Polson 77 (Mackenzie Banner 13). Assists – Whitefish 38 (Bekah Weaver u/a), Polson 40 (Shalaina Duford 38). Aces – Whitefish 13 (Tveidt u/a), Polson 11 (Chelsea Chowning 4).