Volleyball makes statement at Tip-Off

Lady Bulldog volleyball will be a force to contend with this season. An impressive showing at the annual Tip-Off Tournament last weekend proved at least that much.

Whitefish placed second in the Northwest A and finished the long weekend of play with a 4-6 mark.

“We let people know who we are,” said Jackie Fuller, who returned to the sideline as Whitefish’s head coach for the first time since 2010. “We let these other teams know we will compete once we hit that floor.”

The Tip-Off proved to be a perfect forum to try new lineups and find team chemistry.

“It gave us the ability to work the girls together and make adjustments — and for the girls to get used to us as coaches,” Fuller said.

The Lady Bulldog roster is ripe with young talent that will look to a handful of upperclassmen for leadership. Allie Schulz is the lone senior, along with juniors Kate Doorn, Nina Thew and Mirielle Kruger.

“Allie has to step up and lead us with her play and vocally,” Fuller said.

The Dogs will look for Doorn to be an aggressor at the net and sophomore Ellie Dewan as an anchor in the back. Fuller says sophomores Cailyn Ross and Libby Nagler have shown they can bring a fiery spirit to the floor.

“Those girls love to compete,” Fuller said.

As for herself, Fuller said it was “fun” to be back on the bench leading the Lady Dogs.

“The enthusiasm was unbelievable,” she said. “It’s great to be back on floor.”

Assisting Fuller are coaches Lucy McFadden, Colleen Sullivan and Jessie Conners.

With the Whitefish High School gym closed while the floor is replaced, Whitefish has been practicing at Glacier High School and Whitefish Middle School.

“There are some late nights, but our girls are adapting well,” Fuller said. “Glacier has been over the top good to us. We’re thankful for the support.”

Northwest/Southwest

Tip-Off Tournament

Saturday at Dillon

Final Standings

Northwest

Columbia Falls 8-2

Whitefish 4-6

Polson 3-7

Frenchtown 3-7

Browning 0-10

Southwest

Butte Central 8-2

Corvallis 8-2

Stevensville 6-4

Hamilton 5-5

Dillon 5-5