Blue Pony spikers pick up Central A wins

Going into a weekend filled with tough conference matches, the Havre High Blue Pony volleyball team was hoping to just play well, keep improving and play with some consistency.

But after defeating two conference opponents, the Central A Ponies not only achieved their goals going in, but also moved to 3-0 in conference and overall play.

Friday in Livingston the Ponies defeated the Livingston Rangers 25-19, 25-23, 18-25 and 25-22 in four games. And to follow, the Ponies defeated the Belgrade Panthers 25-18, 25-22 and 25-19.

HHS wanted to compete, but the Ponies knew it would be tough going after losing senior Paighton Gilman to an ankle injury.

"We had confidence going down there," Havre High head coach Melanie Skoyen said. "But we knew it was going to be tough without Paighton (Gilman). But we still went out with the same energy that we've had and Sarah Armstrong really stepped up and did a great job."

Armstrong, a HHS sophomore had only practiced with the varsity for one week before taking over a starting position. But she was a big part of the Ponies' success this weekend.

In the two conference matches, Armstrong had three total blocks, and led the Ponies with two against the Rangers.

Facing the Rangers, the Ponies came out and got off to a good start. The Ponies took games one and two before dropping game three, but bounced right back and took game four as well.

"Livingston is a good team," Skoyen said. "And I think it's safe to say they (Livingston) underestimated us just a little bit."

The Blue Pony hitters did find it tough to hit through the Ranger blocks, but after making the necessary adjustments the Ponies were able to find the holes in their defense.

"After (game three) I think our girls knew they couldn't mess around anymore and they really wanted that fourth game," Skoyen said.

In the match, Sammy Evans led with 11 kills. Sadie Seidel had nine of the team's 42 digs and Jaclyn Evans led the Ponies with 17 assists and six aces.

After defeating Livingston, the Ponies play improved even more against the Panthers. HHS just played well all across the board Skoyen said. The hitters were hitting well and didn't give up near as many blocks as they did against the Rangers. The Ponies gave up 10 to Livingston, but just two to the Panthers. And while HHS's passing was just decent against the Rangers, Skoyen said that was much improved against Belgrade as well.

"Belgrade is a very good team," Skoyen said. "And I just think our girls were fired up after beating Livingston."

Facing Belgrade, Sammy Evans had a very good three games, leading the Blue Pony squad with nine kills, three aces and one block. She also had eight digs. Jaclyn Evans also had good production, leading the team with 12 digs and 14 assists. Jaclyn Evans also had two aces. Seidel also had seven kills.

The Blue Ponies were also in action on Saturday when they competed at the Windy City Classic in Livingston.

HHS emerged as the No. 3 team in pool play, but didn't make a run at the championship. In pool play the Ponies were defeated by Manhattan Christian 25-23, but then defeated Bridger 25-22 and Ennis 25-20. Havre also faced off against Lewistown, but was defeated 25-16.

Skoyen didn't take much from the Windy City Classic, as the Ponies used Saturday for experimental play. HHS tried new lineups and ran some things on defense that needed tweaking before they saw another conference opponent.

The Blue Ponies will be back in action Friday and Saturday when they travel to Great Falls for the Electric City Classic.

Friday at Livingston

Havre def. Livingston

25-19, 25-23, 18-25, 25-22

Livingston — Kills 41 (Johanna Chapel 14), Blocks 10 (Tory Njardvik 5), Assists 28 (Jordyn Yarborough 10), Digs 29 (Emmy Handi 8, Broox Chandler 8), Aces 10 (Johanna Chapel 4).

Havre — Kills 28 (Sammy Evans 11), Blocks 3 (Sarah Armstrong 2), Assists 19 (Jaclyn Evans 17), Digs 42 (Sadie Seidel 9), Aces 12 (Jaclyn Evans 6).

Havre def. Belgrade

25-18, 25-22, 25-19

Belgrade — Kills 26 (Lindsey Halgren 7, Jorden Porter 7), Assists 23 (Jorden Porter 13), Aces 6 (Katie K. 2, Jorden Porter 2, Lindsey Halgrin 10), Blocks 2 (Jaycee Loney 2).

Havre — Kills 26 (Sammy Evans 9, Sadie Seidel 7), Assists 15 (Jaclyn Evans 14), Aces 9 (Sammy Evans 3, Jordan Lasalle 2, Jaclyn Evans 2), Digs 41 (Jaclyn Evans 12, Sammy Evans 8), Blocks 2 (Sarah Armstrong 1, Sammy Evans 1).