Lady Hawks humbled at divisionals
Sophomore Kelsey Fitchett goes up for a kill in the Lady Hawks' 3-0 loss last Thursday.
Erica Sorlie, a freshman, serves one up for Thompson Falls over the weekend in Superior.
Sophomore Allison Vaught sets up a teammate.
Hope Reid scores a point at the Western B Divisional Tournament.
From left to right: Allison Vaught, Emily Wadsworth, Makayla Becker, Erica Sorlie and Hope Reid celebrate after a long rally.
The Lady Hawks’ season ended last weekend at the Western B Divisional Tournament last weekend in Superior, but not before Thompson Falls left it’s mark on the field, both winning and losing two matches to finish in fourth place.
In their opening match versus Loyola Sacred Heart, the Lady Hawks got started on the wrong foot, falling 3-0 at the hands of the Breakers for the second time this season, by scores of 25-19, 25-16, and 25-21.
Makayla Becker slammed down five kills, 10 digs and two aces to lead Thompson Falls. Sophomore Hope Reid was impressive with five blocks, and Allison Vaught talked 11 assists in the loss.
Katy Ermatinger registered 13 kills in the Breakers sweep. Stevie Kahle scooped up 15 digs, Madison Mansch and Alex Anderson chipped in four aces and a pair of blocks for Loyola.
The Lady Hawks would have the rest of the day to ponder their loss, having to wait until Friday at noon to play again.
In a loser-out game against Valley Christian the following day, the Lady Hawks showed what they were made of, rebounding with a 3-0 win.
The hard-fought, 25-10, 25-23, 25-20, was Thompson Falls second versus Valley Christian this season.
Reid contributed 15 kills to lift her team to the win. Vaught dished our 26 assists, Becker had nine digs, and Kelsey Fitchett added five aces and three blocks.
Charisa Ireland and Heidi Cross each had five kills and Audrey Hubre had eight assists to lead Valley Christian.
Still alive, Thompson Falls found itself facing a Eureka team it hadn’t beaten in two tries later that afternoon, but if it had any aspirations of going to state that trend would have to reverse in a hurry.
In a thrilling, five set marathon, The Lady Hawks did just that, winning, 25-19, 25-20, 22-25, 13-25, 15-11, and eliminating Eureka from the tournament.
Becker led the way again, with 13 kills and Emily Wadsworth came up with 24 digs for Thompson Falls. Vaught chipped in 33 assists and Reid had eight blocks in the win.
For Eureka, Natash Mikita had 19 blocks, Jacquelyn Lemer had 26 digs, and Alyssa White dug 34 balls.
Against Mission, a team that seemed to have the Lady Hawks number all season long, Thompson Falls wanted some payback in their third and final match on Friday.
What they got, however, was a little more than they bargained for, as the Bulldogs defeated the Lady Hawks, 25-20, 25-18, 25-13.
For the Lady hawks Becker had 13 kills, Wadsworth tallied 11 digs in their final game.
Vaught paced the Thompson Falls offense contributing 22 assists.
Sierra Scott had nine kills, and Ashley Courville and Mackenzie Trudeau had 11 digs each for Mission. Loren Erickson handed out 23 assists and Sarah Bowers had four service aces in the triumph.
Seniors Becker and Wadsworth who ended their high school careers at the tournament will be remembered for their on the court play as well as their leadership during the turn-around of this young team in the second half of the season.
Although the season is over, the future of the Lady Hawks looks bright with youngsters like Fitchett, Reid, and Vaught all having successful tournaments to put an exclamation point on their already stellar sophomore seasons.
Next years senior class of Mara Hanks, Ellen Wikstrom and Catharine O’Neal also figure to play a bigger role as the Lady Hawks seem poised to make a splash in the post-season next year as well.