Lady Hawks gain valuable experience on court
<p>Madison Fitchett takes on Ronan defenders at the net during a recent game in Thompson Falls.</p>
THOMPSON FALLS – Volleyball heated up on the Lady Hawks’ home turf on Saturday, September 14 as a close game brought the crowd to their feet.
The ladies played against the Ronan Maidens in a back and forth game, bringing the match to four sets.
During the first set, long volleys showed that both teams were on their game. As Ronan pulled out in front, the Lady Hawks worked together to close in on the score, ending the first set 21 to 25.
As the second set heated up, Logan Beckman kicked it off with an ace on the first serve. With a level playing field, the team kept it together, jumping in the lead. The lead was short lived though as the Maidens started to fight back, matching the team for every point they earned. In the end the set would come down to two points with a score of 23 to 25.
As the third set began, Ronan started off strong, increasing their lead. However, the Lady Hawks would not be stopped and their determination brought the team together, helping to even out the score and creating quite a lead between the two. As the ladies went after it with their minds, bodies and souls, they came up with a victory in the set, 25 to 16.
The fourth and final set was the most heated of the night, with the crowd on their feet, cheering on the Lady Hawks’ every move.
The infectious energy transferred to the girls who stepped up their game and showed great intensity. In the end, the girls fell two points short in the set, with a score of 23 to 25 and ending the game.
Head Coach Sandra Kazmierczak said the team united during the game.
“I’m excited to have my team back and they are such good kids. I felt like we came together with a lot of unity and they played well together,” said Coach Kazmierczak. “It’s a big step for us and I thought we did great.”
The team is continually improving with each game as everyone steps up to the roles assigned to them.
Although unable to come up with a win, what the team learned was far more than a victory could have given them.
“We lost it but at this moment I just want them to keep focused on their game and their positions. We executed well,” said Coach Kazmierczak.
Ronan proved to be a strong defensive team who placed the ball well – something Coach Kazmierczak said brought the girls to realize their full potential.
In another game against Polson earlier in the week, the ladies won in five sets, playing with excellent defense.
“We played good at the net and it was one of the best blocking games for us,” said Coach Kazmierczak.
The team is now working on repetition, allowing the art and skill of the game to sink in and become more natural to each player. With the outside, middle and setters in place, the team is focused on the game now.
On Thursday, the ladies will face off with the Plains Trotters volleyball team at Plains and if the ladies play as they did in the last two games, Coach Kazmierczak said they should bring along their best competition.
After Plains comes Bigfork - a team that is a strong opponent. The game against Bigfork will be on September 21st.
“The bottom line is if they play like they did last week and they keep staying consistent, they are going to compete with everyone,” said Coach Kazmierczak.