Lady Loggers spike Troy volleyball

The Lady Loggers’ powerful serve game carried them to their second nonconference volleyball victory of the season against the Troy Lady Trojans with set scores of 25-7, 25-12, 25-12.  

Seven different Lady Loggers came away with an ace in the contest, led by Ashley Walker’s seven and Mahalah Wedel’s five. The Lady Loggers were able to control the tempo during most of the contest and spread the offense around to a variety of hitters. Hailley Moe and Staci Regh led the team with six kills apiece and Cierra Stewart chipped in with four. Hannah England assisted on 20 of the Loggers’ 27 kills.

“We got a solid effort from all,” Libby Coach Cindy Ostrem-Johnston said. “We served tough, maintained a balanced attack, and stayed focused and aggressive from beginning to end.”

Libby was solid defensively although they only had 16 digs and one block. Unable to mount a consistent attack, Troy managed seven kills, led by Olivia Thomas’ four.

Both teams were without one of their senior stalwarts due to illness. Lady Trojans Coach Mandy Love was pleased with sophomore Allie Brown who replaced her sister Taylor. “She took over the setting position and did a great job for her first time in the position. Kaitlyn Downey had a solid performance in the libero position.”

The Lady Loggers were a tough team that consistently seemed a point or two away from winning important sets last season. The tide seems to have broken in Libby’s favor this year behind the force of seven seniors and seven juniors. The roster loaded with experience is demonstating the meddle required to compete with the state’s top teams.

Libby takes a break from conference play this week and will compete Saturday in the Bonners Ferry Tournament. Troy travels Saturday to Missoula to take on Florence and Loyola.

Plains 3, Troy 0

At Plains on Saturday, the Lady Trojans battled in the first set before a few breaks went the Trotters’ way. Momentum continued to favor Plains as they won the match 25-19, 25-12, 25-12.

“Tana Thill played well in our backcourt and Olivia Thomas was solid up front,” Love said.

Deer Lodge 3, Troy 1

At Plains, the Lady Trojans looked like they may mount a comeback after dropping the first set 25-12. Troy responded by winning the second set 25-16, but could not overcome the Wardens’ depth. Deer Lodge went on to win 25-12, 16-25, 25-12, 25-15.

“We are improving, we just need to develop our consistency,” Love said.