JV spikers improve skills

By JOE SOVA / Hungry Horse News

With a squad "loaded with sophomores," the Columbia Falls junior varsity volleyball team showed considerable improvement from start to finish this season.

Wes Knutson completed his first year as coach of the team, which picked up two wins in 14 matches.

"The second half of the season we had more four- and five-game matches," Knutson said. "We knew we needed to work on skills development, to understand the game a little better and be more competitive."

Knutson said he saw improvement in skills development as hitting and serving percentages climbed during the season.

"Our passing, slowly and surely, improved," the coach said.

The Wildkat JV team started the season running a 6-2 offense, with the setter coming from the back row. Later, Knutson went to a 5-1 scheme — with one setter.

"That gave our setters more time to settle in," Knutson said.

Handling the setting chores were Kayla Stratton and Renae Nelson.

Jonna Werner, Danielle Gilley and Mikaela Fisher led the Kat attack.

"They all showed more consistency as the season went on," Knutson said.

In serving, Lexie Bartkoski led the Kats with 90.7-percent efficiency. Gilley finished at 90.3 percent, and Fisher at 89.4 percent.

Gilley paced the Kats in blocks with eight solos and seven assists. Gilley had 91 digs, Bartkoski 86 and Nelson 82.

"Skill-wise, in passing is where we needed the most work," Knutson said, and that area improved.

In serve receive, Allie Lampman, Bartkoski and Gilley were the team leaders in hitting their target.

As the team's libero, or defensive specialist, Lindsey Hoerner played very consistently, according to Knutson.

"I'm very proud of the girls. They had great efforts, great attitudes," the coach said, and he's hoping many of the players develop their skills further with camps. "Hopefully we can keep building on what we did this year."