Maidens start season strong in Whitefish
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WHITEFISH — If there was ever a team that needed a good start, it was the Ronan Maidens and they got just that at the Whitefish Starter Tournament Saturday.
Encouraged by a close opening straight-set loss to Libby in a match that they didn’t play their best, the Maidens only dropped one more game the rest of the way to finish the tournament with a 5-3 record.
After falling to Libby 25-17, 25-21, the Maidens split with Bigfork 16-25, 25-22, then swept conference foe Whitefish 25-15, 25-21 and finished the tournament with a 25-14, 25-17 sweep over Flathead Home School.
“I think we had a good attitude change. The girls could see it from us (the coaches), so I think they fed off of it,” first-year Ronan coach Naomi Mock said, adding that the 5-3 start was just the beginning of what the team can accomplish this season.
“I’m stoked. I’m so excited. I hope they just feed off of it. I hope that’s just the beginning of the hill they can climb,” Mock said.
The Maidens not only brought a new attitude to the court Saturday, they also brought a new offense, switching from a 5-1 to a 6-2.
In the 6-2 offense, Alice Van Gunten joined Taylor Lynch as the team’s setter. Mock said that Van Gunten wanted to grow as a player and become multi-faceted. She said that Van Gunten has real good hands and is a good fit in the position, adding that Van Gunten still kills the ball when she is on the front row.
Tuesday Salmon had a team-high 20 kills and also led the team with 10 aces. Marissa McCrea, their new libero, led the team with 58 digs.
Tailyr Irvine was strong at net, finishing with a team-high seven blocks.
“We still have a few things to tighten up, but for the most part I liked what I saw.
"We had good team chemistry and a good attitude,” Mock said.
The Maidens host Stevensville Thursday and Columbia Falls Friday.
Summary
Libby def. Ronan; 25-17, 25-21
Ronan splt. Bigfork; 16-25, 25-22
Ronan def. Whitefish; 25-15, 25-21
Ronan def. Flathead Home School; 25-14, 25-17.
