Lady Loggers drop two at divisional

After an opening win over Deer Lodge at the Western B Divisional Tournament in Anaconda on Thursday afternoon, the Libby Lady Loggers fell on hard times by losing to Bigfork in five games Thursday night and to Thompson Falls in four games on Friday.

Libby won the 7B District Tournament in Eureka and entered the divisional as a top seed, but was unable to capitalize.

Coach Cindy Ostrem-Johnston called the losses heartbreaking.

In the match against Thompson Falls, the 7B’s fourth seed, the Lady Loggers broke down mentally, she said, losing 25-17, 25-27, 12-25 and 18-25.

Mehki Sykes contributed with 10 kills and six blocks, and Jayden Winslow had 11 kills and 18 digs.

Also contributing were: Brooklyn Rainer, 13 kills; Alli Collins, 39 assists;; Emily Mossburg, five blocks; and Emma Gruber, 16 digs.

Libby lost to Bigfork, 25-23, 19-25, 25-11, 21-25 and 14-16.

Winslow led with 16 kills, 15 digs and four aces, while Sykes totaled 15 kills and six blocks. Collins had 38 assists and 18 digs, and Rainer made 11 kills, 15 digs and six blocks.

Also contributing were: Mossburg, six blocks;; Gruber, 17 digs, and Linsey Walker, four aces.

The Lady Loggers finished the season 14-5 overall.

Noting her team had no seniors, Ostrem-Johnston said she hopes they come back hungry and ready to achieve their goals next season.

Florence and Thompson Falls advance from the divisional to the state tournament in Bozeman this week.

Season stats

For the season, Winslow led with 58 aces, followed by Haylee Cannon with 53 and Collins with 48.

Sykes led in total kills with 211, followed by Rainer’s 192 and Winslow’s 146.

Collins led with 518 assists.

Sykes led in blocks with 63, followed by Rainer’s 58, Mossburg’s 47 and Winslow’s 28.

Gruber led in digs with 212, followed by Winslow’s 202, Collins’ 133 and Cannon’s 107.