Glacier busts Big Sky

By COLIN GAISER

The Daily Inter Lake

Coming off a heartbreaking defeat in Thursday’s crosstown battle, Glacier responded on Saturday by sweeping Missoula Big Sky, 25-13, 25-22, 25-17 in Western AA volleyball play at Glacier High School.

The Wolfpack (6-7 overall, 1-1 conference) found the rhythm it needed in the first set after the Eagles (0-5, 0-2) challenged early. Senior Kali Gulick and junior Aubrie Rademacher dominated at the net, and sophomore Kaylee Fritz made excellent sets on her way to 30 total assists.

“I thought Kali and Aubrie both did a great job today at the net,” Glacier coach Christy Harkins said. “They made great attacking decisions and did a good job blocking.”

Glacier struggled early in the second set. Led by senior Lizzie Clawson, the Eagles were more poised and forced the Wolfpack into several uncharacteristic errors.

But starting with a successful tip by Rademacher, the Wolfpack clawed its way back into the set. Freshman Sidney Gulick gave the Eagles trouble with several aggressive serves.

“[Sidney Gulick] did a really great job serving today. It’s becoming consistent for us that she goes and scores quite a few points on that serve. She’s consistent, she works hard at it and she’s aggressive with it,” Harkins said.

After being tied at 22, the Wolfpack won three straight points to escape the set.

“I know we’re a little bit tired and a little bit run down, so it was good to see us rally today on a quiet Saturday morning and get the job done,” Harkins said.

The battle continued in the third set, but the Wolfpack reestablished its presence at the net, especially Gulick and Rademacher. Rademacher led the team in kills with 13 and Gulick had five of Glacier’s six total blocks.

After the bounce-back victory, Glacier goes up against visiting Helena Capital and Helena High on Friday and Saturday.

“We’d better be able to learn from this, improve on it and move on,” Harkins said, “because the Helena teams are going to be coming guns blazing at us.”

Kills – Glacier 34 (Aubrie Rademacher 13), Big Sky 18 (Lizzie Clawson 6). Blocks – Glacier 6 (Kali Gulick 5), Big Sky 9 (Clawson 5). Assists – Glacier 31 (Kaylee Fritz 30), Big Sky 15 (Mia Sandau 10). Digs – Glacier 52 (Gulick 11, Kacey Hill 11), Big Sky 55 (Shelby Lenox 13). Aces – Glacier 9 (Fritz 4), Big Sky 2 (Katie Rolle 2).