Scarlets cool off during long break in Drummond
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
DRUMMOND — During a close to four-hour break at the season-opening tournament in Drummond, the Scarlets lost the magic they had in the morning and made a quick exit in the afternoon play.
Missing three varsity starters didn’t slow the Scarlets down in pool play. They went 4-2 in their three two-game matches to earn the top seed from their group. The Scarlets couldn’t take advantage of their high seeding and fell to Charlo 15-11, 15-8 in their first match of tournament play – they split their earlier match with the Lady Vikings.
After splitting with eventual tournament champions Philipsburg to earn the group’s top seed at around noon, the Scarlets had to wait until around 3:45 to take the court against the Lady Vikings. Arlee coach Brian Big Sam said the 3-hour and 45-minute break was long enough for the inexperience to catch up with the three junior varsity players starting for the Scarlets.
“They weren’t used to having to sit around for so long and they weren’t used to having to play so many games,” Big Sam said. “Their bodies weren’t ready and their minds weren’t ready.”
Win or lose, Big Sam said the playing time for his younger players was invaluable.
“It was a good experience for them ... next time they’ll know what to do,” Big Sam said.
Big Sam was encouraged from what he saw from his team, which was missing returning starters Cassandra Kline, Melissa Ivanoff and Mahalia Hendren at the tournament. Big Sam said when the three return the Scarlets won’t settle for finishing in the middle of the pack.
“They’re ready to go somewhere. They’re not happy just playing anymore. They’re ready to compete, they want to go somewhere,” Big Sam said.
The Scarlets opened the morning with a 15-10, 15-6 sweep of the Alberton Lady Panthers. Maria Pablo, who spent most of the past season on the back row, led the Scarlets with two kills.
Big Sam said that Pablo, who finished the tournament with six kills, really stepped up and played more aggressive at the tourney.
“I tell all my players that they need to show me all the time that they want to keep their position and they need to improve at that position every game, Big Sam said. “She (Pablo) really wants to keep that spot.”
Cortney Dix led the Scarlets with three sets against the Lady Panthers. Dix and Becca Nelson also had three aces. Bailey Rice, who along with freshman teammate Whitney Malatare impressed Big Sam in their first varsity matches, led the Scarlets with three digs.
After dropping the first game 6-15 against the Lady Vikings, the Scarlets won the second game 15-13. Nelson led the team with two kills. Pablo had a team-high six digs and Dix finished with three sets.
The Scarlets also dropped their first game against the Lady Prospectors (11-15), but edged out a 15-14 victory in the second game.
Nelson led the Scarlets with four kills. Pablo had a team-high 10 digs and Dix finished with two sets.
The Scarlets will host the Lady Prospectors Thursday evening.
Summary
Pool play
Arlee def. Alberton; 15-10, 15-6,
Arlee splt. Charlo; 6-15, 15-13
Arlee splt. Philipsburg;11-15, 15-14
Tournament play
Charlo def. Arlee; 11-15, 8-15
