HHS spikers head to Conrad

At full strength, a matchup against Class B Conrad would normally be a relatively easy one for the Havre High volleyball team. But missing two starting Blue Ponies, the playing field may have just been leveled.

Saturday the Central A Ponies (3-2, 5-6) will face the nonconference Conrad Cowgirls in Conrad.

Earlier in the season the Ponies defeated the Cowgirls 25-10, 25-17 and 25-21 in three games at the Havre High gymnasium.

But this time around HHS will be without outside hitter Sammy Evans and setter Jaclyn Evans. And with two absences from the starting lineup, the Ponies will be forced to use a lineup never before used.

"We are going into this match knowing that it isn't going to be comfortable," Havre High head coach Melanie Skoyen said. "But sometimes it's ok when you aren't comfortable because you are trying new things. I look at this as a positive experience because other girls are going to get a chance to do some good things."

Sophomore Lexi Olson and freshman Brandy Lambourne will get the start in place for Sammy Evans and Jaclyn Evans. Olson will play as the outside hitter, and Lambourne will take over as the Ponies' setter.

And while both girls are young, they should fill in nicely for the Ponies. Both Lambourne and Oson have been practicing with the varsity, and have both shown they are deserving of the varsity start.

"Both of them are always so competitive," Skoyen said. "Lexi (Olson) wants a starting spot so bad, every practice she shows me that she should be starting and I love that attitude from her. And Brandy (Lambourne) always comes to practice so calm, she is just like one of the juniors out there, so hopefully she has poise when she plays and plays with confidence."

The Cowgirls failed to earn a win over the Ponies in their first meeting, but they played well, challenging the Ponies more and more with each game. And now without two of their star players, the Ponies have to be even more aware of the talented Cowgirls.

Just like in their first meeting, the Ponies can't get overconfident. The Cowgirls are a talented squad and love to run with momentum. HHS can't give up too many major point runs.

Serving will also be key if the Ponies want to return home with the win. Last time around the Cowgirls really struggled with swerve receive. The Ponies racked up 17 total aces, and are looking to attack that weakness again.

"Of course we are going down there in hopes of a win," Skoyen said. "But I am glad we are going down there with a different lineup knowing it's not a conference match. I am still confident, but I know Conrad is a good school. We have gotten a lot better with our serve accuracy, we can now serve certain areas and we are more consistent than we were at the beginning of the season."

Saturday the Ponies will face the Cowgirls in Conrad in a non-conference match. The Havre High junior varsity team plays tonight at 6 in Gildford against the North Star Knights. The Pony varsity team returns home next Saturday for a match against the Browning Indians.