Spikers perfect in conference play, heading to Corvallis

Tops in the conference. That’s where the Columbia Falls volleyball team stands with about half the season behind them.

The Wildkats beat Frenchtown at home Sept. 25 in four games, 21-25, 25-15, 25-21, 25-12, and then blanked Whitefish 25-9, 25-23, 25-21 away Sept. 27.

The Kats had a slow start against the Lady Broncs but settled down in the remaining games and never looked back.

Carla Nicosia matched Frenchtown’s Morgan Ray in kills with 13, and Columbia Falls dominated in serving with 13 aces to Frenchtown’s five.

Coach Josie Brown said the team worked on it serves and it paid off.

Cydney Finberg sets up the entire offense. She had 33 of 35 assists against the Lady Broncs and 28 of 30 assists against the Lady Bulldogs.

Winter Kemppainen had a great night at the net against Whitefish with five blocks.

The Kats are now undefeated in conference play at 4-0. They face Hamilton and Corvallis away this Saturday as they start a long run on the road. The Wildkats aren’t home again until Oct. 23 when they face Polson. Their only loss this year has been to Corvallis.

“We’re excited to play them this weekend,” Brown said. It’s a long trip — they leave at 4 a.m. and return the same day.

Columbia Falls def. Whitefish

25-9, 25-23, 25-21

Kills — Columbia Falls 44 (Ciera Finberg 12, Carla Nicosia 12), Whitefish 30 (Myndi Holbrook 13). Assists— Columbia Falls 30 (Cydney Finberg 28) Whitefish 27 (Allie Schulz 27). Blocks — Columbia Falls 8 (Winter Kemppainen 5). Whitefish 0. Digs — Columbia Falls 42 (Kemppainen 14), Whitefish 53 (Ellie Dewan 17). Aces — Columbia Falls 9 (Cydney Finberg 4), Whitefish 6 (Allie Schulz 4).

Columbia Falls def. Frenchtown

21-25, 25-15, 25-21, 25-12

Kills — Frenchtown 37 (Morgan Ray 13), Columbia Falls 44 (Carla Nicosia 13, Ciera Finberg 12). Assists — Frenchtown 21 (Haley Cyr 18), Columbia Falls 35 (Cydney Finberg 33). Digs — Frenchtown 65 (Lindsey Shepard 17), Columbia Falls 55 (Shay Fishel 22). Blocks — Frenchtown 3 (Faith Bauer 2), Columbia Falls 7 (Nicosia 3). Aces — Frenchtown 5 (Lacey Hochhalter 3), Columbia Falls 13 (Cydney Finberg 4).