Big Horns face Wolves, lose in fifth and final game despite standout performances
By Jen Clancey STAFF WRITER
The bleachers were split red and blue in the Lone Peak High School gym on Saturday for the girls volleyball home opener against Three Forks High School. For every stride the Wolves made, the Big Horns answered, until the fifth and final winner-take-all game that ended in a 15-5 loss for Lone Peak.
Saturday night was the first home showing of the girls volleyball team under a new coaching staff, and head coach Ashley Muckway was happy with what she saw on the court.
“I feel like our girls gave 150%. Every day if they walk off the court giving 150% I’m happy,” Muckway said after the game. It seemed the Big Horns began to find a stride in game one. As the Wolves eyed their first win with 24-18 on the scoreboard, the Big Horns held them off for another two points.
Thanks to contributions from senior captain Addy Malinowski, junior Stella Haas and junior Avery Graham throughout the rotations in the second game, the Big Horns secured a 25-23 win, echoed two games later by a 25-20 win, tying the match at two games apiece. In between, the Wolves held their own winning the third game, 25-18, with key plays by juniors Sadie Dell, Nova Ervin and Ciel Gayle.
Muckway said she saw standout personal bests from every player on the team. “Every single person on that court played better than they ever played before,” she said.
Muckway commended senior captain Claire Hoadley for her instinctual playing.
“She knew when to swing and she knew where to place the ball and I think her volleyball IQ is amazing,” Muckway said. From seasoned seniors to eighth graders seeing the home varsity court for the first time, the coaching trio was impressed. Assistant coach Gavin Dean gave kudos to senior captain Aubrey Farr for her saves, reaching balls that didn’t even seem possible, while fellow assistant coach Steven Reid saw promise in the young talent, particularly from eighth grader Annie Coltea who had long serving runs and held composure in the new home varsity environment.
Junior Stella Haas felt good about the team dynamic in the match. “It definitely took a lot of effort, a lot of energy, but I think everyone did a super good job connecting, especially towards the end of the game,” Haas said.
One of those late-match highlights included a stunning collaboration between Malinowski, junior Lily Turner and Hoadley in the fourth game. On the game point, Malinowski controlled and directed the ball to Turner, who offered an opportunity to Hoadley. The senior executed the game point with class, striking it to an impossible spot for the Wolves and securing the fourth game win.
“Everybody was super energetic and hyping everyone up which just felt super amazing, and it felt like there was a lot of support from everyone, even on the bench,” Haas said of the crowd’s energy.
The coaches feel good heading into their next game, which is home against Ennis High School. So far, the team has an 0-2 record after Saturday, including a loss in their first game against Jefferson High School. Coach Dean plans to take both the successes and shortcomings into practice this week.
“We’re going to go into practice Monday and really dial into things that we’re missing. But we have a lot of positives to take away from tonight,” Dean said. “We’re really excited to be here again and host Ennis. We’re really looking forward to it.”
