Bulldogs drop two at volleyball divisionals

Whitefish picked up a victory at the Western A Divisional Tournament but lost their next two matchups to bow out of the 2024 Class A postseason.

“Our ending was not how we wanted our season to end,” Whitefish Head Coach Addy Connelly said. “I am so proud of the journey these ladies had. At the end of the day, volleyball is more than a game of wins and losses.”

Against Corvallis to open up the divisional tournament, No. 1 seed Whitefish downed Corvallis 25-12, 25-10, 25-16 on Thursday, Nov. 7. Izzy Hartwig continued her offensive onslaught with 11 kills, while also recording three blocks to lead the Lady Bulldogs.

Allie Shors led the offense with 18 assists and had two aces. Myli Ridgeway had eight kills and four digs.

Kaydence Blackwell had three aces and 11 assists to go along with five digs for all-around great play. Maggie Mercer led the team with four aces and 19 digs.

On the same evening, Whitefish fell to Dillon 20-25, 8-25, 25-19, 25-17, 15-11. Hartwig led the way with 15 kills, while Yoli Krastev had 11. Shors dished out 20 assists, and Blackwell had 11. On defense, Shors notched 12 digs while Blackwell had 10 and Mercer had eight.

Moving into the consolation bracket on Friday, Whitefish fell to Bigfork 25-19, 25-23, 25-21 despite nine kills from Hartwig and two blocks. Ridgeway had eight kills and 13 digs.

Maggie Mercer had 14 digs, while Shors had 13 assists, and Blackwell had 12 assists.

“These players have made life-long friendships, have led by example for all to witness, and gave every game their all,” Connelly said.

Whitefish finished the year 24-9.

“Our seniors will be missed next season as they really set a positive tone for our entire program,” Connelly said.