Libby spikers take matchup with Troy

Powerful serving was the story of the Lady Loggers three-set victory over Troy on Tuesday.  A total of 27 aces was racked up by both squads with the Loggers pounding out 19 of them.  

Troy jumped out to an 8-6 lead in the first set before Dayln Germany ran off eight service points highlighted by six kills, three from Jessamyn Tempel, for the Loggers.  

Hannah England served another string of seven points late in the set and Libby finished with a Hailley Moe kill to win 25-14.  Libby coach Cindy Ostrem-Johnston called it a “solid team effort.”

In the second set, Troy responded with a rally of its own after being down 10-5 early. The Lady Trojans took the lead 16-13 with the help of freshman Allie Brown’s four aces. That was when the real serving exhibition of the night got started.  

Ashley Walker, who substituted for the injured Hailey Craig, served five consecutive aces to propel the Loggers to the 25-20 victory.  

 “They really stepped up after the loss of Hailey for the match,” Ostrem-Johnston said. “It was an incredible serving performance by Ashley in her first time playing varsity.”

The Loggers dominated the third set from the start with Walker notching three more of her 10 aces early.  Libby then took advantage of several Trojan errors in the 25-11 win.  

Despite the loss, Troy Coach Sandra Beal was particularly pleased with how some of her younger players stepped into some unfamiliar roles and played well.  

“Zoe Lowry got her first varsity experience and did a nice job.”

Troy (2-4) entertains Florence and Missoula Loyola on Saturday, and Libby (2-1) takes on Polson on Friday before heading to the Bonners Ferry Tourney on Saturday.

Aces – Libby 19 (Walker 10), Troy 8 (Brown 4).  Kills – Libby 31 (Tempel, Devon Gallagher 7), Troy 11 (Katie Lundin, Kellie Lundin 3).  Assists – Libby 27 (England 25), Troy 9 (Brenna Garrison 7).  Blocks – Libby 3 (Gallagher 2), Troy 3 (Kellie Lundin 3). Digs – Libby 27 (Mahalah Wedel 12), Troy 10 (Brown 3).