Lady Huskies defeat Dubois at home

 The Lady Huskies had a quiet week with a competition at home against Dubois on Saturday that they won in three sets. “I have felt for a while that they would be our toughest competition in our conference. As the first set was underway, it was difficult to see the slow start of the girls. That being said, I always felt that they were in control,” said Coach Natoshia Heaton.

Burlington was an impressive 61/68 from the serving line. Madison Aagard led that charge going 20/22, with Sarah McNiven 7/7, Kortney Winterholler 8/8 and Adison Haslam 6/7. The Lady Huskies were a force to be reckoned with on the net with 35 total team kills, Sarah McNiven leading that attack with 14 kills and Lucy McNiven with 6. 

“Some of the highlights for me were Maddy (Aagard) serving 13 in a row and scoring 12 points. I have been stressing the importance of serving. Her serving so many in a row emulates the importance of serves and their willingness to listen, accept, and implement the things being taught. In order for her to keep her serve the rest of the team had to step up and keep getting the side outs. This happened with great defense either with blocking, digging and being scrappy. Maddy herself made some incredible plays and helped to keep the ball alive.

“Our passing was on point. We had so many perfect passes. Another player that exuded the importance of listening to the coach was Kate (Preator). I have been encouraging her to be the leader of the backcourt. That is her role as a libero, and she is taking it to heart. She ran after balls that were completely out of range or position for her. She also took fault when the ball dropped without anyone going for it. Though the ball dropped wasn’t her responsibility, she knows how I want her to have confidence and control over the defense on the court. These are just a couple examples of her willingness to conform to my ideal.

“Sarah dominated on the net. She had several kills and blocks. The other team was so defeated by her. Their entire body showed their complete destruction. Other girls stepped up to the plate as well. Jamie (Taylor) had some great saves on the front row. She picked up many balls that should have hit the floor. Kortney has been working on her passing form. She met the challenge and exceeded it. Her passing was great. Girls that haven’t played or played often came in and did their job as well. Stella (Davidson) had some fantastic hits. I can always count on Lauren (Gotfredson). She is a tough block. Cambria (Wicke) did well in her passing. Rae (Leonhardt) has such great serve receive passes. Hannah’s (Stanworth) back row play is coming along nicely. She is passing well on serve receive. Claire (Philpott) had great saves. She hustles and is continually improving. 

“It is nice to be able to expect and see high level volleyball from all the players. Honestly our gym is full of talent. It is fun to see them challenging themselves and running different hitting routes. The team is moving upward. Rising to challenges and conquering tasks. It is so fun to coach girls that are diligent and ambitious,” said Heaton. 

The Lady Huskies will play in Cowley on Thursday with Freshman at 4:00, JV at 5:00 and Varsity at 6:00 p.m. and on Saturday in Bridger, MT at the Bridger Invite. They will face Absarokee at 9:00, Gardiner at 10:00, Shields Valley at 11:30 and ReedPoint/Rapeije at 12:30 p.m. in Pool Play.

BURLINGTON 3, DUBOIS 0 = 25-22, 25-16, 25-15