Sanders County showdown

Thompson Falls and Plains squared off in a county-side civil war on Plains’ home court on Thursday night. The Blue Hawks walked away with the shut-out, winning 3-0.

Plains fought hard, especially in the final game of the night. The Trotters took an early lead and the ball switched sides more than 17 times before Thompson Falls won. The Lady Hawks beat the Trotters 25-22, 25-13 and 25-20.

The Hawks out-killed their opponents 33-6. Junior Kyla Molzohn lead the way with 13 kills and Thompson Falls’ single block. Thompson Falls also had more digs — 35 to 18, more assists — 26 to Plains’ five, and aces — 16 to nine.

Senior Rheanna Padden was the Hawks’ lead digger with eight. Junior Karli Cavill led assists with 25 of Thompson Falls’ 26 assists. Sophomore Makayla Becker served the most aces with five.

Plains out-blocked their opponents 10-1. Junior Emma Ehret, Plains’ 5’11 tower, had the most blocks of the game with nine. Ehret also led kills for Plains with five. Junior Lacey Hermiston had six of the Trotters’ 18 digs. Junior Heather Earhart lead the way in Plains assists with four. Chelsea Roosma, Alexis Kunzer and Hermiston tied for most Trotter aces, scoring two each.

“It was a close match,” said Jessica Cahala, the Plains head varsity coach. She was pleased with the way her team had improved since the St. Ignatius tournament, when the Trotters went 1-9. “They’ve improved a hundred times since they played in the tournament.”

Neither team won their weekend games despite valiant efforts.

Trojans 3, Trotters 0

At Troy, the Trotters lost 0-3 despite driving a forceful comeback in the final game. Plains lost 22-25, 17-25 and 24-26. Plains fought hard at the net, and Troy only scored 13 kills to Plains’ 11. The Trojans did earn more blocks — 7 to the Trotters’ 3, but Plains and Troy tied in number of assists with 10 apiece. Plains had six digs to Troy’s 14 and 10 aces to Troy’s 15.

Heather Earhart led the way with six kills and six of Plains’ assists. Kunzer also played well, scoring three of the team’s digs and tying for ace leader with junior Kylee Knudson. They each had four aces. Ehret added two blocks to the cause.

Plains is playing two home games back to back next week. On Friday, Sept. 19, the Trotters face the Mission Bulldogs at 4:15 p.m. The Trotters beat St. Ignatius at their own tournament in early September, though Mission went on to win.

On Saturday, September 20, Plains faces Eureka at 3 p.m. Eureka has won two of their three games, including games against Thompson Falls and St. Ignatius.

Lions 3, Bluehawks 0

Thompson Falls also had a difficult day. Despite a rally at the end, the Bluehawks lost 12-25, 21-25 and 28-30. Eureka had 52 kills to Thompson Falls’ 17, six blocks to Thompson Falls’ four, 33 assists to Thompson Falls’ 15 and 11 aces to Thompson Falls’ seven. The Bluehawks did lead the way in digs with 33 to Eureka’s 32. Cavill led in digs with eight and assists with four. Padden helped play the net with three blocks and earned five of Thompson Falls’ seven aces. Molzhon again led the Lady Hawks in kill with seven total.

The loss dropped the Hawks to 1-1 in conference play, 2-3 overall.

Thompson Falls’ next game is on Thursday, September 18 at home against Noxon. Overall, Noxon is 2-2. The Blue Hawks play the Red Devils at 5:45 p.m. On Saturday, Thompson Falls is on the road and will play Florence at 3 p.m.