Lincoln Middle School volleyball players tangle with Valley Christian

It was a time to be brave. The Lincoln Lynx middle school volleyball gals from the 4th, 5th and 6th grade made up the majority of the local "Junior High" team that stood across the net from the tall and lanky 7th and 8th grade players from Missoula's Valley Christian Junior High Saturday morning, Sept. 20.

The little "B team" Lynx ladies seemed so excited to exhibit their new skills in front of a packed crowd of friends and family that it probably didn't cross their minds to be scared.

The team roster for Lincoln was boosted by the addition of Izzy Goines who just moved to Lincoln from Idaho and has a knack for firing the ball over the net on almost every serve.

Riding high from their recent win last week, the lady Lynx "B" squad may have over-estimated their older, taller opponents on this day. The final score, many of the games close-fought, was 19-25, 25-23, 14-25, 24-26.

Most of the Eagle points were made by default when the Lynx serves did not make it over the net or their volleys went out of bounds. But it was a proud showing for a group of players several years younger than their opponents and they did not exhibit a whit of discouragement; just true grit.

Maddi Davis and Kaitlyn Brown showed a lot of promise, skill and natural athleticism while they and the rest of their team are still learning the basics of the game.

The Lincoln Lynx "A team" of true 7th and 8th graders had a higher percentage of successful serves and long, nail-bitting volleys than their younger sisters, but the Valley Eagles were a tough team to beat.

Five foot, five inch Kylee Copenhaver, the tallest Lady Lynx, had a good game but her effort was not enough to win the day. The Lynx lost in three sets 14-25, 11-25, 15-25.

The Eagles had an ace up their sleeve with 7th grade hitter Brookelynn Ishler who could pound un-returnable jump serves over the net at will. But the local ladies can accomplish these feats too, as soon as they grow a few inches taller.