Big week two for Blue Pony spikers

Last Friday saw a great start for the Havre High volleyball team and the squad looks to keep that ball rolling going into some tough Eastern A and Northeastern A competition this week. The Blue Ponies will be tested throughout the entire stretch, which will all take place on the road.

Havre started the trip with a tough non-conference loss, Tuesday night in Laurel.

The Ponies fell to the Locmotives by scores of 25-23, 22-25, 29-26 and 25-22. Every set was extremely close, and the match could have gone the other way for Havre, which fell to 1-1 on the young season.

Talia Ralph had a team-high nine kills for the Ponies, Ellie Collins had 20 assists and two aces, while Sydney Wilting had 12 digs.

After the loss to the Lcomotives and the win at the Malta M-Ettes, the Ponies have produced a lot of great prowess already. The seniors of the squad have made a lot of ground. Sydney Wilting continues to work hard at the libero position and as a leader, Kaylee Torgerson, Samantha Lovenguth, Kennedy Hampton, Quinn McDonald, Ellie Collins and Talia Ralph all not only exude plenty of leadership skills, but they each complement each other offensively and defensively. Yelena Miller has been a potent force when it comes to blocks and kills to start off the season strong, Maddie Columbus, Mollie Huse and Avery Carlson all have played a big part already this early in the season.

After the tough loss Tuesday night, head coach Steph Huse is ready to focus on the next group of games.

"Once we're done with the game against Laurel, we will be focused on Sidney and Glendive," she said.

Havre will visit Sidney Friday and Glendive Saturday.

The Lady Devils were a powerhouse on the court last season, working their way to a spot in the Class A State Tournament and knocking the Ponies out of the tournament, too. Overall, Glendive and Havre have had some fierce competitions in recent years, as well. Needless to say, the Lady Devils will be bringing their best when the Ponies come to their home court.

As for the Sidney Eagles, the squad had some struggles last season, but had some shining moments on the hardwood. Like every conference opponent, there can be no chance to underestimate them. Sidney will be looking to make a lot of ground this season and starting with a win over Havre would be big for the Eagles.

But as the week will go on, Huse sees a certain player making a lot of noise on the series of road games.

"Talia Ralph has been doing great things for the team," Huse said. "She brings a lot of energy, she plays hard and she has a lot of great moments on the court. She will be a big help throughout the season, especially this week, so I think she will stand out."

Havre takes on the Sidney Eagles at 7 p.m. Friday in Sidney and then the Glendive Lady Devils (1-0) Saturday at 7 p.m. in Glendive for the first pair of Northeastern A battles of the 2020 season. The Ponies make their long-awaited home debut on Sept. 26.

Laurel def. Havre

25-23, 22-25, 29-26, 25-22

Havre - Kills 27 (Talia Ralph 9), Assists 21 (Ellie Collins 20), Aces 6 (Collins 2), Digs 58 (Sydney Wilting 12, Collins 10), Blocks 9 (Yelena Miller 5).

Laurel - N/A.