Central A challenges await HHS

The Havre High volleyball team got its season started off on the right foot when the Blue Ponies captured a conference win over Butte Central in their season opener.

But as the Blue Ponies gear up for two more conference opponents, they will take the court without one of the team's star players.

The Central A Ponies are just one week into their season, holding a 1-0 conference record. And with an already young and somewhat inexperienced squad this year, injuries are the last thing HHS wants to rear its ugly head.

Friday the Ponies will take to the road where they will face both the Central A Livingston Rangers and Belgrade Panthers in Livingston.

But after senior Paighton Gilman suffered a severe ankle sprain during Tuesday's practice, she will be watching the matches from the sideline while the Ponies look to fill the hole she leaves in the middle.

"I would rather it (injury) happen now since it's early in the season," Havre High head coach Melanie Skoyen said. "But really, I would rather it not happen at all."

Last weekend against the Maroons Gilman led the Ponies in three major categories. Gilman led with 12 kills, three blocks and six aces in the Pony debut.

But while the Ponies may be down, they are not out.

Sophomore Sarah Armstrong has been practicing with the varsity squad and has shown a lot of promise. And with her number being called this weekend to step up the Ponies are confident she can get the job done.

"She has been doing a lot of things that have impressed me for a sophomore," Skoyen said. "I think it will be good for her to get some playtime and she knows she has to step up. She is excited she gets to play.

"We will compete," Skoyen added. "I can't even pick my best player, because we have so many good volleyball players. I know Sarah (Armstrong) isn't as strong as Paighton (Gilman), but we will make up for that on the outside, and I know that Sarah (Armstrong) does have a lot of strengths too."

Gilman's presence would be missed against any opponent. But against two very tough conference teams, her absence is magnified.

The Rangers had a very young, but talented squad last year. They got off to a slow start, but eventually came together and even made a trip to the Class A state tournament.

And the Panthers also house a very talented squad, one that has already made it a point to scout the Ponies play, showing this year just how serious they are.

Facing the Panthers, the Ponies have to keep an eye on Lindsey Halgren. She normally plays in the middle, but also likes to make an appearance as the teams' setter.

"I don't know exactly where she will play," Skoyen said. "They switch it up. I just remember she was a very aggressive player."

Taking on the duties of putting Halgren on lockdown will be Havre's very own Juletta Don. She has proven to be a very good blocker and Skoyen is confident she will get the job done this evening.

Heading into this weekends action the Ponies are still focusing on themselves.

A 3-0 start to their conference as well as their overall season would be fantastic, but for now, steady improvement and consistency are still stressed before every match.

And as far as the Ponies gameplan goes, they just want to focus on their own game and hopefully compete with two conference opponents. If HHS can limit their hitting and serving errors they should be ok.

"I tell the girls that we do have to know the other teams strengths," Skoyen said. "But it's more important that we take care of business on our side of the court and play our game."

The Ponies are in action tonight in Livingston when they face the Rangers and Panthers in conference play. Saturday will also be a busy day for the Blue Ponies as they take part in the Windy City Classic hosted by Livingston.