Spikers get conference win, beat Loggers

The Columbia Falls volleyball team went 1-2 on the week, but continue to see improvement.

The Wildkats opened with a win against Libby at home on Aug. 30, 18-25, 26-24, 25-23, 25-22. The Kats staved off a Logger rally in the second game when both teams were tied at 23 apiece.

It seemed to be a turning moment in the match as the Kats won it in four for their first conference victory of the season.

“It was good to see the girls get out there and get after it,” coach Addy Connelly said.

Sophomores Winter Kemppainen and Ciera Finberg had nine kills apiece, whiile Alli Dierenfield had 20 assists.

The Kats didn’t have much luck against Hamilton, as the Lady Broncs won 22-25, 25-12, 25-14 and 25-21 in a double header Sept. 1. Corvallis also had the Kats’ number, winning 24-26, 25-12, 25-23, 26-24.

Hope Burlage had 20 kills against the Lady Broncs. Kemppainen had 10. Burlage had 10 kills against the Blue Devils. The Kats were without Haley Belgarde — she sprained her ankle in practice last week.

The girls look to get back on the winning track this week — they play Whitefish at home Thursday.

The girls are playing well together and getting better everyday for a young team with just two players with varsity experience.

“We’ve got a lot of potential to do well,” Connelly said.

Columbia Falls def. Libby, 18-25, 26-24, 25-23, 25-22.

Kills – Libby 42 (Lauren Wepprecht 13, Devon Gallagher 13), Columbia Falls 32 (Winter Kemppainean 9, Ciera Finberg 9). Blocks – Libby 1 (Hailey Craig), Columbia Falls 4 (Kemppainean 3). Digs – Libby 83 (Mahalah Wedel 24), Columbia Falls 53 (Tiffany Summer 19). Assists – Libby 36 (Hannah England 35), Columbia Falls 30 (Ali Dierenfield 20). Aces – Libby 14 (England 4), Columbia Falls 8 (Finberg 3).

Hamilton def. Columbia Falls 22-25, 25-12, 25-14, 25-21

Kills — Hamilton 39 (Penny Gwinn 21), Columbia Falls 34 (Hope Burlage 20, Winter Kemppainen 10); Blocks — Hamilton 5 (Cara Schulz 3), Columbia Falls 3; Assists — Hamilton 32 (Val Tayler 28), Columbia Falls 30 (Alli Dierenfield 28); Digs — Hamilton 59 (Kennedy Chadwick 18), Columbia Falls 30 (Tiffany Hummer 13); Aces — Hamilton 17 (Jaylee Albert 4), Columbia Falls 3 (Finberg 2).

Corvallis def. Columbia Falls 24-26, 25-12, 25-23, 26-24

Kills — Corvallis 39 (Kelsey Irwin 19), Columbia Falls 26 (Burlage 10); Blocks — Corvallis 2, Columbia Falls 8 (Finberg 3); Assists — Corvallis 39 (Alex Price 22), Columbia Falls 20 (Dierenfield 13); Digs — Corvallis 63 (Katier Patterson 18), Columbia Falls 29 (Hummer 7, Kemppainen 7); Aces — Corvallis 20 (Gianna Schrock 10), Columbia Falls 9 (Kemppainen 4).