CJI volleyball ready for state tournament

After winning the District 7C volleyball tournament and finishing second in the Northern C Divisional volleyball tournament, the Chester-Joplin-Inverness volleyball team is looking to stay hot in the Class C State volleyball tournament in Bozeman this weekend.

The CJI Hawks will open the state tournament with a match against Manhattan Christian this Thursday at noon. Manhattan Christian will be a tough opponent to start the tournament as the Western C Divisional champion.

If the Hawks can win their tournament opener, they will face either Powder River County or Roy-Winifred, who will play each other Thursday at 10 a.m. Powder River County qualified for the tournament after winning the Eastern C Divisional tournament while Roy-Winifred is coming off a second-place finish in the Southern C Divisional tournament.

Several other teams will begin the state tournament Thursday, as well. At 2 p.m., Bridger/Belfy will face off against Twin Bridges. Bridger/Belfry qualified for the state tournament after winning the Southern C Divisional tournament. Meanwhile, Twin Bridges finished second in the Western C Divisional Tournament.

Later at 4 p.m., Belt will play North County. Belt made the tournament after defeating CJI, 3-0, in the Northern C Divisional championship. North County qualified for the tournament after taking second in the Eastern C Divisional tournament.

The winners of the tournament openers will advance to the semifinals later Thursday at 6 and 8 p.m. On Friday and Saturday morning, several more matches will take place to decide who will be the final two teams competing for a Class C state title. The championship match will be at noon Saturday, with another game at 2 p.m. if needed.

The CJI volleyball team will begin its quest for a state title Thursday at noon at Brick Breeden Fieldhouse in Bozeman.