Vals shoot down T. Falls to claim district title

The Bigfork Valkyries are district tournament champions.

The Vals knocked off top-seeded Thompson Falls in five games Saturday and then downed Troy.

“The girls worked hard, played as a team, rallied behind each other and just didn’t give up,” coach Melody Strauss said.

“They played with excitement, heart and confidence most of the day.”

Against Thompson Falls, the Vals got off to a good start by winning the first two games, 25-21, 26-24, before falling 12-25, 14-25.

In the fifth and deciding frame, Bigfork was ahead 12-10 when Strauss called timeout. Afterward, Marissa Hiza made a tip that resulted in a kill and the Vals scored two more times to win, 15-10.

Hiza had 11 kills and 15 digs in the match, while Josie Spoklie had 23 assists and 17 digs. Tessa Robertson made four blocks and Kalie Wicklund served five aces.

Against Troy, the Vals won 25-18, 25-20 and 25-16.

Hiza totaled nine kills and five digs in the match to lead the Vals. Alanis Stallknecht contributed with eight of her team’s 15 aces.

Eight teams advanced to the divisional tournament, which starts Thursday in Florence.

Bigfork will play Ronan, the second seed from District 6B, Thursday at 10 a.m.

Other teams from District 6B include: No. 1, Florence, No. 2, Deer Lodge, and No. 3, Loyola.

Only the top two teams will advance to the state tournament next week.