Wildkats drop two conference matches

The Columbia Falls volleyball team dropped two conference games last week.

They lost to Polson in straight games on Oct. 4 at home, 25-18, 25-18, 25-23. The Polson match was a frustrating affair for the Wildkats. They were up 12-4 in the third game only to see the lead slip away.

The Kats are actually playing better than the scores would suggest. They just don’t seem to be able to finish off their opponents.

They also had a tough time against Whitefish on Oct. 6, losing in straight games 25-8, 25-17, 25-20.

Haley Belgarde had seven kills against the Lady Bulldogs, and Hope Burlage had 11 against the Lady Pirates. But Whitefish had 27 kills to the Kats’ 17, and Polson had 40 kills to the Kats’ 20.

The team is now on a month-long road trip. They have no more home matches through the end of the season. The match against Polson was their last home match of the year. The divisional tournament this year isn’t nearby either — it’s in Frenchtown.

Whitefish def. Columbia Falls, 25-8, 25-17, 25-20.

Kills – Columbia Falls 17 (Haley Belgarde 7), Whitefish 27 (Emily Sullivan 9, Marlow Schulz 8). Blocks – Columbia Falls 2 (Ciera Finberg 1, Carla Nicosia 1 ), Whitefish 2 (Sullivan 1, Bekah Weaver 1). Digs – Columbia Falls 37 (Belgarde 11, Ashton Berta 8), Whitefish 23 (Schulz 6, Baylee Tveidt 6). Assists – Columbia Falls 8 (Alli Dierenfield 6), Whitefish 24 (Weaver 24). Aces – Columbia Falls 3 (Hope Burlage 2), Whitefish 8 (Kelsey McFadden 3).

Polson def. Columbia Falls, 25-18, 25-18, 25-23.

Kills – Polson 40 (Chloie Huerta 13), Columbia Falls 20 (Hope Burlage 11). Blocks – Polson 1 (Jessica Hoel), Columbia Falls 4 (four with one each). Digs – Polson 70 (Mackenzie Banner 19), Columbia Falls 49 (Tiffany Hummer 14). Assists – Polson 32 (Shalaina Duford 31), Columbia Falls 20 (Alli Dierenfield 18). Aces – Polson 6 (Duford 4), Columbia Falls 5 (Dierenfield 2, Haley Belgarde 2).