Scarlets scorch Savage Heat in straight sets
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PHILIPSBURG — The Scarlets took care of business at home Thursday night by handling Hot Springs in three sets.
The Scarlets outscored the Savage Heat, a team they couldn’t beat the past season, 75-34 in three sets, downing them 25-12, 25-11, 25-11.
The roles have been reversed this year between the two teams, where Arlee is the veteran squad and one of the favorites to advance to the divisional tournament and Hot Springs is building toward the future.
Arlee coach Brian Big Sam said for the Scarlets to reach their goal of playing at the Western C Divisional Tournament, it’s important that they set the tone by beating teams like Hot Springs in straight sets.
“Every game to us needs to be just like practice. At the tournament it’s a new slate, so we need to keep building and keep our momentum going,” Big Sam said. “We knew going into the season that we were going to be one of the top teams. Now we just have to keep working and keep our positive attitudes.”
Much of the Scarlets offense came via the serve. They had 15 aces in the match, with Melissa Ivanoff and Becca Nelson leading the way with four apiece.
Ivanoff, playing in only her second match this season, and Nelson were the main source of offense for the Scarlets. Ivanoff had a match-high seven kills, and Nelson finished with six. Cassandra Kline pitched in with four.
The Scarlets defense wasn’t tested much, but when they were they came through. Hot Springs only finished with five kills. The Scarlets had 31 digs with Maria Pablo leading the way with 10. Cortney Dix and Kline each had a block. Dix also had all 15 of their assists in the match.
The Scarlets (2-0, 1-0) travel to St. Regis and then will have a tough task against the Lady Trojans in Drummond Saturday.
Summary
Arlee def. Hot Springs
25-12, 25-11, 25-11.
Kills - Hot Springs 5 (Alyssa Foster 3), Arlee 21 (Melissa Ivanoff 7). Blocks - Hot Springs 0, Arlee 2 (Courtney Dix, Cassandra Kline). Digs - Hot Springs 29 (Foster 6), Arlee 31 (Maria Pablo 10). Assists - Hot Springs 4 (Lindsey Salmi 2), Arlee 15 (Dix 15). Aces - Hot Springs 5 (Alex Green 2), Arlee 15 (Ivanoff, Becca Nelson 4).
