Libby volleyball splits matches against in-county rivals

Freshman Mehki Sykes scores on a kill shot in the second vs. Troy Thursday evening.

Sarah Pierce passing in the third vs. Libby Sept. 24.

by Bob Henline The Western News
| September 29, 2015 3:09 PM

Sarah Pierce passing in the third vs. Libby Sept. 24.

The Lady Loggers dispatched the Lady Trojans in three games Thursday evening, ending the match with 25-18, 25-21 and 25-15 victories. The tide turned Saturday, as the ladies dropped a hard-fought match to Lincoln County High School, 3-1.

After Thursday’s game Libby coach Cindy Ostrem-Johnston said the team is receiving well, but wants to focus on improving serving and hitting ratios.

“I was pleased with our serve receive,” Ostrem-Johnston said. “We need to improve our team hitting efficiency and get our serving back to 90 percent.”

The team had 12 aces and 24 kills against Troy, with Ashley Walker leading the way on aces with five and India Croucher and Haylee Cannon each adding seven kills.

Madisen Monigold led the team on defense with six digs and a 2.75 serve receive ratio. India Croucher contributed five more. Emily Mossburg added three blocks for the Lady Loggers.

In Saturday’s match, the Lady Loggers struck first, taking the first game 28-26. The Lions came back with three wins, 25-16, 25-19, 25-15, to take the non-conference match.

Mehki Sykes was the shining star for Libby in the loss, leading the team in kills (five), blocks (five) and aces (four).

The Lady Loggers’ next game is today at 4 p.m. against visiting Thompson Falls.