Lady Bulldog volleyball readies for season
Whitefish's Hailey Ells looks to hit the ball back over the net in a match against the Wildkats last season. (Whitney England/Whitefish Pilot)
With just one player graduating from last year's 13-win Whitefish volleyball team, the Lady Bulldogs have been working hard in the offseason and are ready for 2023.
"I expect these girls to be hungry," Whitefish Head Coach Addy Connelly said. "A majority played club ball this spring, and they have been working really hard on and off the court since last season. They are a dynamite group that has a ton of potential."
Senior Brooke Zetooney has played three years on varsity, while Bailey Smith is returning from an ACL injury. Ainsley Scott has been working on passing the ball a lot and will be the setter for the squad, leading the offense.
"She is a great, enthusiastic leader," Connelly said. "Hailey Ells is a take-charge gal that is very versatile and can fill in anywhere on the court."
Junior Myli Ridgeway has been hitting the ball well and has increased her vertical, while Maggie Mercer stepped into the libero role last year and has embraced the backcourt.
"She sees the ball well and is a great leader," Connelly said.
Izzy Hartwig will be a dangerous middle hitter, while Nayvee Miller will be blocking shots on the right side. Kaydence Blackwell has also been working on mixing up sets and has made great connections with her hitters. Yoli Krastev is another versatile player that is ready for the varsity stage.
"Our strength is having played together for a year," Connelly said. "They are very athletic, fun-loving, hard-working girls," Connelly said. "They find joy in the game and are motivated to win."
This season power Bigfork will be added back into the Conference, and Connelly said she expects Polson to continue to be a tough opponent in the league.
Still, regardless of who they are playing, the Lady Bulldogs are hungry to win and expecting a lot.
"They are expecting more of themselves and each other than I am," Connely said. "That internal motivation speaks volumes about the type of girls I have the opportunity to coach. We appreciate our community's support in our fundraising efforts and cheering us on throughout our season."
The Bulldogs head just down the road to Columbia Falls for the Tip-off Tournament Friday and Saturday. Then they’ll take on Frenchtown at home on Sept. 5.