Kats open 0-2 on the road

The Columbia Falls volleyball team opened its season on the road with losses to Hamilton and Corvallis on Aug. 31.

The Blue Devils blanked the Wildkats in straight games, 25-12, 25-13 and 25-17. The Kats then lost a squeaker to the Lady Broncs, 22-25, 25-13, 24-26, 25-17, 15-8.

Winter Kemppainen led the squad against the Blue Devils with six kills. Cydney Finberg had eight assists. Kemppainen had eight kills against the Lady Broncs, and Shaylene Fischel had 18 digs.

The Kats will look to shake off the losses this week as they travel back to Hamilton on Friday and Saturday for the Northwest-Southwest Tip-Off Tourney.

Corvallis def. Columbia Falls 

25-12, 25-13, 25-17

Kills – C. Falls 16 (Winter Kemppainen 6), Corvallis 31 (Kelsey Irwin 11). Blocks – C. Falls 4, Corvallis 6 (Joanna Avery 2). Digs – C. Falls 12 (Carla Niciosia 6), Corvallis 26 (Laura Berner 9). Assists – C. Falls 12 (Cydney Finberg 8), Corvallis 26 (Alex Price 19). Aces – C. Falls 0, Corvallis 11 (Avery 6).

Hamilton def. Columbia Falls,

 22-25, 25-13, 24-26, 25-17, 15-8.

Kills – C. Falls  (Winter Kemppainen 8), Hamilton 52 (Penny Gwynn 15). Blocks –  C. Falls (Ciera Finberg 3), Hamilton 2. Digs – C. Falls (Shay Fishel 18), Hamilton 60 (Kelsey Pitzinger). Assists – C. Falls (Cydney Finberg 11), Hamilton 50 (Makayla Horvath 34). Aces – C. Falls (Kemppainean 2), Hamilton 11 (Gwynn 3).