By Amanda Eggert EBS Associate Editor
BIG SKY – On Sept. 3, the Lone Peak High School volleyball team defeated Shields Valley by comfortable margins in all three sets. The Big Horns went 25-17, 25-13 and 25-16 in their home opener against the Rebels.
“We really hit our stride in the second game,” said LPHS Head Coach Sarah Phelps. “We came out relatively sluggish but really turned it on the second game and finished it handily.”
Led by sophomore middle hitter Solae Swenson, the Big Horns scored 32 kills. “We hit the ball exceptionally well,” Phelps said. “They put up a good block against us and we were able to really pick that apart.” The Rebels were clearly outgunned at the net, scoring nine team kills to the Big Horns’ 32.
Swenson also led LPHS in blocks with two. Phelps said the Big Horns’ blocking needs to be better and they’re working on it practice.
“We’ve [also] really been focusing on getting the ball in a better position to our setter so we can open up our offense even more,” Phelps said.
Setter Kuka Holder led the team in assists with 25, and there was a three-way tie for team leader in aces—Bella Butler, Julia Barton and Bryn Iskendarian served up three aces apiece.
Shields Valley is typically one of the stronger teams in the district, so Phelps was encouraged by the win. “It was great to be able to come out and play that well against them early season.”
As of EBS press time, the Big Horns were undefeated at 4-0. In addition to their home win against Shields Valley, they came out on top in three road matches, beating Harrison on Sept. 2, handing a defeat to rival West Yellowstone at their Sept. 9 homecoming, and claiming all three sets in their Sept.13 game against Livingston’s junior varsity squad.
The Big Horns’ next home game is Monday, Sept. 19 against Belgrade.
