Noxon, Hot Springs finish season

by Annie Wooden and Jennifer Curran

Hot Springs and Noxon faced tough competition at the District 14C tournament last week in Ronan. Though both teams' seasons ended at District, they put forth an impressive effort in their final games of the year.

Noxon made quick work of Alberton in their first game of the district tournament on Thursday as they beat the Panthers in three straight sets. Senior Emily Brown served up six points before the team's first side out. Noxon kept their lead and won 25-19. Noxon again dominated in the second set as they won 25-14. Alberton wasn't ready to give up, and in the third set was tied several times with the Red Devils before Noxon finally sealed their win with a 25-22 set.

Noxon then met Superior Thursday evening, garnering a five-set win against the Bobcats. The teams alternated sets as they battled for a spot in the semifinal match. Noxon won the first set 25-16 before Superior came back with a 25-11 win. In the third set, Noxon held a slight edge as the teams were tied several times before Noxon won 28-26. Superior came back with a 25-11 win in the fourth set before Noxon got the win in the final, 15-10.

Noxon then met Charlo, who they had split wins with in the regular season, losing to them in three sets their first meeting of the season, then winning in five at Charlo. The Vikings, who would go on to win the District tournament, beat the Red Devils in three straight sets on Friday, 25-16, 25-15, 25-14.

On Saturday Noxon displayed their skill and valiance. Their first matchup was against Charlo. In the first set Charlo came out with a tough offense and defense. Noxon then gained momentum scoring six points off serves from senior Aubrey Erwin. Charlo took the set at 25-16. In the second set Noxon exhibited their dynamic teamwork, the score tied in the middle, before the Vikings pulled ahead with a 25-15 win. In the third set, excellent blocks from players and a spike from Maygan Swanson gained some points, but Charlo prevailed at 25-14.

The Red Devils then took on the Superior Bobcats. There were exuberant volleys in set one from the get go. The teams were neck and neck at 15-16, the crowd and players were jubilant and the fight was on. Superior won with a score of 25-19. In the second set, Superior started out strong but Noxon came back and the crowd was on fire. Swanson and Seanna Richter showcased their blocking powers. Alas, Superior took the set with a 25-18 win. In the final set the Red Devils put forth great teamwork with their bumps, sets and spikes. The Bobcats won with a 25-17 and Noxon came away with the third place-trophy for a great end to the season.

Hot Springs opened the 14C tournament against St. Regis, who took an early lead in the first set before the Savage Heat rallied back to within two points, then tied the score several times before the Tigers won 26-24. The second set wasa close one for Hot Springs as the teams traded leads. The Tigers again won 26-24. In the third set, Hot Springs took a commanding 7-2 early lead. Again the well-matched teams were tied several times throughout the set, but Hot Springs prevailed 25-22. In the fourth set, Hot Springs had a renewed energy. Senior Lily Detienne served seven straight points before St. Regis got a side out, and Hot Springs handily won 25-13. Both teams were determined in the fifth set as they were tied 2-2 early on, then traded points until St. Regis prevailed with a 18-16 win. The full match took more than two hours.

Hot Springs then moved to the consolation bracket, where they faced Superior in the first game of Friday's action.

In the first set the Savage Heat leapt to the lead with DeTienne serving up four points. The Bobcats jumped ahead, but with some skilled plays from the Heat and a great save from Georgia Uski, the score was tied at 8 apiece. The score remained neck and neck with some awesome teamwork and in the end Superior took the match with a 25-18 win. In set two Superior took the lead early and stayed several points ahead throughout, securing the 25-10 win. In the third set the teams put forth a close match to the end. Tied at 15-15, the crowd cheered, "Put on the heat!" and Hot Springs again tied with the Bobcats at 20-20 with Brooke Jackson on the net. The game ended with a 25-23 victory going to the Bobcats. "There was so much improvement and great attitudes, everyone played well this season. We had a young team and I'm proud of them," said coach Taylor Salmi.