Trotters come up short against Arlee Scarlets
Kara Altmiller (24) blocks Arlee from gaining a score on the board. (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
Plains Trotter Rachel Huenink (30) makes a defensive block against Arlee’s Nellie Desjarlais (31) Thursday. (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
Plains middle blocker Kara Altmiller (24) attempts to block a Charlo players attack during Saturday afternoon’s match at Charlo High School. Plains defeated Charlo, 25-21, 15-25, 25-9, 25-14. (Jason Blasco/Special to the Clark Fork Valley Press)
The Plains Trotters hosted the Arlee Scarlets on Thursday evening for a hometown showdown.
Though the Trotters fought well, they came up short overall as the Scarlets took the win 3-1 over four sets.
It came down to some close matches as both teams were digging for the win.
“I’m happy with how our team went, we have a very diverse team and the season looks positive,” said Jessica Butcher, head coach of the Plains Trotters volleyball team. “There is a new dynamic with the girls this year.”
The girls are sitting with a 1-win, 2-loss season so far. Their only win was on home court advantage during the Sanders County Fair weekend against Noxon.
“We are looking confident heading into the season, during the trainings we’ll focus on fine tuning and gaining a little more discipline,” said Butcher.
There’s no doubt that the talent can be clearly seen during a game. The local Plains team not only have the ability to a solid rally going over the net, but with strong players such as No. 44 Jessica Thompson who shows strong hitting skills.
The senior stands at 6-feet tall and showed the Scarlets on more than one occasion just how powerful her spike can be.
Two other standouts from the Thursday night game were Plains Trotters No. 24 and No. 30; both girls not only have the height behind them but show that they are quick as a hiccup on their feet as well.
Kara Altmiller (No. 24) and Rachel Huenink (No. 30) both rotated through the front and back lines but were able to position themselves best on the front line defense.
“We have a good balance of hitters and defenders this year,” said Butcher. “We’re feeling really good for our next game, it won’t be long until we get some good wins. We’re not doing bad for the beginning of the season.”