HHS's Armstrong now a Battlin' Bear

Havre High's Sarah Armstrong emerged as one of the top prep volleyball players in the state last fall.

She led the Havre High volleyball program to a solid run at the Central A divisional tournament, and will now move up to the col

Havre High senior Sarah Armstrong, right, goes up for a kill during a volleyball match last fall in Havre. Armstrong earned Class A All-State honors this season and is headed to play for Rocky Mountain College next fall.

legiate level where her outstanding hitting ability can be utilized for at least four more years. Rocky Mountain college and head volleyball coach Laurie Kelly recently announced the signing of Armstong to an NAIA national letter of Intent.

"Sarah is a great addition to our team," Kelly said in a press release. "She has a lot of untapped talent and we are excited to see her take her game to the next level. She has a passion for volleyball every time she steps on the court.

"I am really excited," Armstrong added. "I really like the team, I went down there and practiced with them, and really love the campus. It was a great experience and I really like the team and the coach. I like how Billings is away from Havre, so I get some distance, but Rocky is also a small school and the team is really close. You can grow as a family and you already have friends when you get there, so I am excited."

Armstrong also visited UGF, as well as got some interest from colleges in Kansas and Oregon.

Armstrong showed glimpse of her talent for four years as a Blue Pony, and truly shined as a senior. At season's end she led the Class A in kills, including a 65-kill weekend at the Central A divisional tournament. Armstrong helped lead the Ponies to a 5-7 conference record last season as well, finishing as the No. 3 team and narrowly missing the state tournament.

As a 6-0 middle hitter, Armstrong was selected Class A All-State Central A First-Team All-Conference and Academic All-State last season. She was also named the Ponies' MVP, while the Havre Board of Trustees also awarded her with the Outstanding Achievement Award.

"Sarah has grown so much as a volleyball player," Havre High head coach Melanie Skoyens said. "And still has unbelievable potential. She is such a powerful middle and will be a great asset to the Rocky program. I wish Sarah the best of luck and look forward to watching her compete in the Frontier Conference."

Nearly done with her senior year at Havre High, Armstrong will join Rocky for the 2013 season. And she is not expected to redshirt, so Armstrong could be a factor in the Frontier Conference right away. Armstrong is also undecided on her major, allowing her to focus on her general education classes, as well as the transition into a college sport.

"I am hoping it is an easy transition into college with a sport," Armstrong said. "And I love how the game is faster in college and how exciting it is. I had so much fun when I got to play with them because it was so totally different from high school. It is a whole new level and I cant wait to get there and play."