Mountain Cats claw Lady Lynx

Showing the intense skill levels and determination of a veteran varsity squad, the Lady Lynx put on quite an athletic show this Friday night against the Alberton/Superior combine Mountain Cats.

The heated volleyball showdown between these two teams, equally matched in numbers and ability, was eagerly anticipated by the players and the crowd who remembered the close contest of their last meeting.

The heart-stopping action didn't disappoint. Six-foot senior Alexis Cannon drove home a kill right from the start of the first set and was a one woman wrecking crew the rest of the night with four huge blocks at crucial moments, eleven kills and an 89 percent service success. Her view from the stratosphere does have its advantages.

Sage Kamps has her jump serve down pat, firing four aces and giving fifteen set-assists at the net. Andrea LaManna delivered her usual share of blocks and kills but it is her vivacious enthusiasm that is invaluable in keeping the team positive and energized.

The match was close and competitive, but the final set wins all went to Clark Fork, 21 - 25, 23 - 25 and 18 - 25.

The last regularly scheduled varsity games are this Friday against the Flathead Valley Home School Athletic Association and Saturday against Seeley Lake. Saturday night is "Senior Night" when the three Lady Lynx seniors: Sage Kamps, Maya Whittenberg and Alexis Cannon will be honored along with their families. Bring tissues.

In the junior varsity contest, the six starting players for each side had to play every minute because both benches were devoid of relievers. At the end of each of the first three sets, the score was tied up and could have gone either way. Clark Fork JV edged out the first two wins, 25 – 27 and 23 – 25, but the Lincoln JV ladies battled set III to a win 19 - 17. Set IV also came down to a squeaky finish, 13 - 15 for the Mountain Cats.

Lindsey Weisner pounded down six kills from her five-foot-eleven-inch height and saved six digs. Teammate Jaylin Lewenight added four kills and four aces; Jessica Zarske put up nine set assists and four ace serves; Maya Whittenberg once again posted a 100 percent serve success.

For a cold early winter night, it was a hot time in the old town.