Blue Pony volleyball tips off season in Sidney

As they played in the 2020 season, the Havre High volleyball team had to make several adjustments due to COVID-19. One of those adjustments was the cancellation of the tip-off tournament last season. With a more normal season this fall, the Blue Ponies went on the road to Sidney to compete in the tip-off tournament this past weekend. Despite not playing in the tournament for two years, HHS head coach Stephanie Huse was pleased with how her team played.

"I was really pleased with what the girls came out with and what they were able to show our baseline as we start the season," Huse said. "They did an overall good job of playing as a team. Working together, just really figuring each other out and getting comfortable with one another on the floor as we compete."

Over the course of Friday and Saturday, the Ponies had a solid showing as they went 8-1-1 and even competed in the tournament's championship match on Saturday. Unlike a regular match, the matches were each just two sets played to 20 points. In the tournament, the Ponies played in a round robin where they played against the other teams from the Northeast A and Southeast A, which gave Huse a chance to see what their opponents have to start the year.

"I think you get a good sense of where everybody's starting at. It definitely felt good to see the girls respond to every team and do well," Huse said. "But as we also know that just like us, getting our baseline, everybody else is getting theirs as well. So as the season progresses, everybody's going to clean up and fix and adjust and improve."

On Friday, the Ponies went 4-0-1 in the tournament. In their opening match, HHS defeated Livingston both sets by scores of 20-10 and 20-11. The Ponies then defeated Sidney with a 20-10 win and a 20-17 win in their sets. The Ponies then faced conference rival Lewistown, who they defeated 20-14 in the first set and 20-12 in the second set.

Havre split their two-set match with Billings Central. The Ponies lost the first set, 20-13, but came back to win the second set 20-18. The Ponies finished Friday with a win over Hardin with a 20-17 win in the first set and 20-15 win in the second set.

The Ponies then went 4-1 on Saturday. They opened the day with a victory over Lockwood with wins of 20-15 and 20-11 in the two sets. HHS then defeated Glendive with 20-15 wins in both sets. The Ponies were dominant against Miles City as they defeated them 20-8 and 20-5 in their sets. Against Laurel, the Ponies won their two sets by scores of 20-12 and 20-18.

Because of their success in the tournament, the Ponies got to compete in the tournament's championship match on Saturday afternoon. But in their rematch with Billings Central, HHS lost both sets by scores of 25-17 and 25-12. While the Ponies had a solid weekend, Huse saw many areas where her team could improve.

"We still need to focus on every aspect of our game. There were some great things that we saw out of our offense and defensive systems but we still need to tweak and make adjustments," Huse said. "I was pleased with our ball control. I thought that was sound. I thought we were aggressive serving. We need to be a little bit more consistent with our serving."

Even though the Ponies still have plenty to work on before they get into their season, their performance at the tip-off tournament showed promise. Huse believes the tournament showed how close her team is with each other and that they have the mentality to push through the season.

"The theme that I heard over and over again from the girls was how pleased they were with how supportive they were with one another," Huse said. "Volleyball is a game of momentum shifts and when the momentum isn't going your way in volleyball, you need to be able to fight together and support each in those lulls and come out of it. I think the girls discovered that's something that they have and that really excites them heading into a competitive season."

The HHS volleyball team will next play this Friday at Blue Pony Gymnasium at 7 p.m. when they host Lewistown.

Havre def. Livingston

20-10, 20-11

Havre def. Sidney

20-10, 20-17

Havre def. Lewistown

20-14, 20-12

Havre split with Billings Central

13-20, 20-18

Havre def. Hardin

20-17, 20-15

Havre def. Lockwood

20-15, 20-11

Havre def. Glendive

20-15, 20-15

Havre def. Miles City

20-8, 20-5

Havre def. Laurel

20-12, 20-18

Billings Central def. Havre

17-25, 21-25

HAV (Tip-off Tournament totals) - Aces 40 (Avery Carlson 10, Molly Huse 8); Kills 153 (Maddie Columbus 35, Yelena Miller 34, Kyanna Jarvis 19); Assists 113 (Huse 113); Blocks 45 (Miller 12, Jade Wendland 8, Huse 6); Digs 260 (Alyssa Oliver 95, Carlson 45, Lizzi Haney 38)