Lady Logger spikers return plenty for another run in NW

An imposing presence at the volleyball net, Libby High School senior Jackie Mee definitely captures the opponent’s attention. In fact, Mee’s skills are so exceptional that she attracts two, sometimes three blockers in an attempt to control the damage that she can inflict.

“I’m glad I’m not on the other side of the ball trying to stop her,” LHS coach Cindy Ostrem-Johnston said of the 6-foot-1 all-state selection. “She’s hitting the ball harder than ever now. And that’s good experience for our kids trying to dig her out.”

Although Mee’s volleyball skills are among the best ever seen at Libby High, it is a team sport and her teammates play a role that is just as important.

“We can’t do it with one player … but we have a good supporting cast, many good assets to our team this year,” Ostrem-Johnston said. “We graduated four kids but we have a lot of returnees, too.”

Eight players on the varsity roster were on hand for Libby’s exciting appearance at last fall’s state tournament. Besides Mee, senior setter Evi Cernick returns to control the offensive attack, which last year featured a 6-2. Senior Katie Emery and junior Alex Kulbeck shared starts and return as well. Juniors Logan Best, Maleena Sweet, Alysha Martin and Ashley Cislo also took in the experience at state.

“I think we’ll have a good attack and have some decent height on our team,” Ostrem-Johnston said. “We’re working hard on defense right now. Communication is what we’ve been working for … we have a quiet group of kids.”

Besides communication, Libby is also working hard on its serve receive. Conversely, one of Libby’s biggest strengths on the other side is serving.

Ostrem-Johnston and her coaches have 28 players in the program – 16 at the varsity and junior varsity level along with nine freshmen and three sophomores on the “frosh-more” squad.

Libby took first place in the Northwestern A and at state, won its first two matches over Belgrade and Billings Central. The Lady Loggers lost to eventual champion Lewistown in the semifinals and then to Miles City.

In the conference, Ostrem-Johnston expects Polson to put a good squad on the floor. As far as coaches know, the Lady Pirates didn’t lose any starters from last season.

Bigfork, which defeated Libby last season, dropped down to Class B.

The Lady Loggers open the season on Aug. 29 with the Whitefish Starter Tournament. Libby will see Polson in that tournament along with Browning, Belgrade and Stillwater Christian.

Then the following Tuesday on Sept. 1, Libby will play a key early-season conference match at Polson.

The first home varsity match is slated for Sept. 24 against Columbia Falls and then Libby will play four other regular-season home dates.

The bulk of the Lady Loggers’ matches at home will occur late, including the Nov. 5-7 divisional tournament at Ralph Tate Gymnasium.

Schedule

Aug. 29 Polson*    9a.m.

Aug. 29 Browning*, 10:30 a.m.

Aug. 29 Belgrade*, 1:30 p.m.

Aug. 29 Stillwater Christian*, 3:45 p.m.

Sept. 1 at Polson, 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 11 Tip-Off Tournament at Anaconda, TBA

Sept. 17 at Whitefish, 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 19 at Bonners Ferry, Idaho, TBA

Sept. 24 Columbia Falls, 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 26 at Ronan, 2 p.m.

Oct. 3 Polson, 3 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Flathead, 4:15 p.m.

Oct. 10 Whitefish, 3 p.m.

Oct. 15 at Eureka, 4:15 p.m.

Oct. 20 Glacier, 4:15 p.m.

Oct. 23 at MCPS Tournament at Missoula, TBA

Oct. 30 at Columbia Falls, 4:15 p.m.

Oct. 31 Ronan, 3 p.m.

Note: The divisional tournament is scheduled for Nov. 5-7 at Libby. The Class A State Tournament is scheduled for Nov. 12-14 at Bozeman.

Start times listed on the schedule could include freshmen/sophomore team and junior varsity matches.

* at Whitefish Starter Tournament. Game times approximate. Matches feature two games to 25 points using rally scoring.