Lady Pirates put up fight, take third
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POLSON – The Lady Pirates hosted the Class A Northwestern Divisional volleyball tournament Friday and Saturday and came away with a third place token.
In their first game on Friday the Lady Pirates took on Libby, dropping them in the 3-0 win.
Polson’s Jaiden Toth led in Lady Pirate assists with 31 while Chloie Huerta knocked down 12 kills. Libby Clay worked it out defensively with 18 digs and also grabbed two aces.
Saturday saw a fourth place loser out match again against Libby’s Lady Loggers, with the Lady Pirates easily taking the 3-0 match win.
Senior Jessica Bagnell served up two aces for Polson and Chloie Huerta had 12 kills. Jessica Hoel had 12 digs.
Later that day Polson faced Frenchtown in another loser out game for third. The Lady Pirates were overtaken by tough playing Frenchtown, ending divisional play in the 0-3 loss.
Taylor Davis worked the defense with 17 digs and Hayley Fyant crushed nine kills for the Lady Pirates.
Although the Lady Pirate volleyball season come to an end, Coach Jan Toth couldn’t be more proud of her girls. “This bunch of girls are so humble,” she said. “They have yet to realize how good they really are.”
“Good” is an understatement while looking at season stats. Junior Jaiden Toth led the Northwestern A Conference with kill percentage. Toth is also second in digs and 10th for aces in the conference. “She’s dynamic offensively,” Coach Toth said about her team captain. “She plays tough.” Jaiden will return next season as a senior for the Lady Pirates. Also coming away with brag-worthy stats is Jessica Hoel. Hoel led Polson grabbing second in hitting percentage in the conference while Chloie Huerta took the fourth spot.
Also making an impression on Toth is Jessica Bagnell. Bagnell’s high school play was cut down a year due to injury, which put her on the bench for a full season. She came back on fire with “no pain no gain” on her mind and finished her high school career on a high note. “She works hard and wants to make noise,” Toth said.
Making their own noise, young players Sarah Rausch, Libby Clay and Libero Taylor Davis were defensive rocks for the Lady Pirates. All three will return as seniors next season.
Toth also shares a nod toward her assistant coaches. As a Penn State alum, assistant coach Patty Luetz provided college play experience. “She’s another set of eyes,” Toth said. “The kids really respond to her.” Rounding out the coaching staff is “Frosh” coach Bonnie Klein. “She works well with the girls, they really love her,” Toth said.
The Lady Pirates finish up with a 9-11 record, and with its ups and downs, Toth is happy overall. “I feel blessed to have worked with this group of girls,” she said.
Polson will send players to compete in the Volleyball All Star game in Mission on Thursday.
