Lady spikers look sharp at Tip-off Tourney

By DAVID ERICKSON / Whitefish Pilot

The annual volleyball Tip-off Tournament was held at Whitefish High School over the weekend, and the Lady Bulldogs were as energetic and athletic as any team.

Their only problem this year will be working together as a team and cutting down on mental mistakes.

The tournament provides a chance for teams around the northwest part of the state to work out the kinks and get back into game shape.

So far, the Lady Bulldogs look about as good as they need to this early in the season. They swarm to the ball, their sets are mostly on target, and they're serving well. The team is a little rough around the edges on defense, but it's nothing they can't fix as the season goes along.

Whitefish will be led this year by seniors Kate Klundt, McCara Cullen, Jade Hansen and Molly Filipek. Also starting in the rotation will be Shannon Kalbfleisch, Olivia Nagler, Jessica Slaybaugh, Madison Tveidt and Adele FauntLeRoy.

Klundt in particular should have a big season for Whitefish, and she will be counted on to provide leadership both on and off the field. The basketball star came in to her own towards the end of last year, and she will benefit from having an extra year of starting varsity experience.

The Lady Bulldogs are going to have a little bit of an adjustment period. They lost three star players last year — All-State outside hitters Brielle Menegazzi and Ashley Ferda along with setter Hailey Farmin.

Last year, the Lady 'Dogs made an unbelievable run through the state tournament bracket to get to the state championship game.

They won several games in overtime, but they eventually lost the title match to Lewistown, also in overtime.

Jackie Fuller has been the Whitefish head coach for 15 years and assistant for two years prior to that. The Lady 'Dogs have taken home five state titles — in 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006.

Fuller also was named Montana Class A Coach of the Year in 2005. She notched her 400th victory last season during the state championships.

She is assisted by Colleen Sullivan and Lucy McFadden.

Fuller and her girls know what it is going to take to make another run at the state title. They will have their hands full with Libby this year in the conference, as Jackie Mee is entering her junior year and looks to be one of the best hitters in the state.

The Lady Bulldogs will head to Glacier High in Kalispell for another tournament this Saturday starting at 10 a.m.