Lady Pirates VB Clinch Conference Title

POLSON — The Pirate seniors came out strong and unified, accompanied first by their parents and loved ones, then by a striking offense that took down Libby 3-1 on Thursday during Senior Night.
Roses where given to the team’s four seniors and manager Natasha Lafferty before the game, which is the final home game for their tenures as Pirates.

The first game brought at sweeping 25-18 Pirate win. The team was leading as much as 20-11, and was anchored by a serving game that Libby’s back row couldn’t handle.

After the team’s switched sides, Libby’s power house, senior Jackie Mee, was able to find her footing and drove the Loggers to a 25-12 second game win.

The momentum swichted yet again for the third set. The Pirates were back on the court’s south side where they utilized the back row spike courtesy of senior libero Staci Benson, squeaking a 26-24 third set win.

The final set saw a final surge by the Loggers, who led 20-17 at one point. But Polson showed its seniority and chipped away until the set was tied, 24-24.

Junior Marissa McCrea stepped in and served the winning points, complimented by key slams from several Polson spikers.

The Pirates clenched the win with a 28-26 fourth set victory.

“They pushed us hard,” said coach Jan Toth. “Playing Libby is always intense … it was senior night and my girls dug deep to pull it out.”

Breanne Kelley finished with 15 kills, three blocks and three aces for Polson.

For Libby, Jackie Mee ended with 13 kills, while Alex Kulbeck chipped in five aces and three blocks.

The Pirates pushed their undefeated season to 7-0 in league, 11-0 overall.

Polson def. Libby, 25-18, 12-25, 26-24, 28-26.

Kills – Libby 39 (Jackie Mee 13), Polson 45 (Breanne Kelley 15). Blocks – Libby 4 (Alex Kulbeck 3), Polson 3 (Kelley 3) Digs – Libby 58 (Logan Best 20), Polson 99 (Staci Benson 22, Marissa McCrea 17) Assists – Libby 30 (Evianna Cernick 29), Polson 41 (Kayla Duford 41). Aces – Libby 11 (Kulbeck 5, Alysha Martin 4), Polson 8 (Kelley 3, Nicole Davey 2, Duford 2).