Surging Ponies get a sweep in Browning

The Havre High volleyball program is enjoying a resurgent season in 2015 and the Blue Ponies continued their positive momentum Saturday in Browning.

The Ponies, who defeated Browning on homecoming night in Havre Oct. 4, knocked off the Indians for the second time in seven days with a three-game sweep by the scores of 25-10, 25-9 and 25-15.

The win improves Havre’s record to 7-4 overall and makes them 4-1 in Central A conference play.

After allowing the Indians to take a game in their matchup in Havre a week ago, the Ponies came out determined not to let that happen again and won the opening game by an impressive 15 points at 25-10.

The second game of the match was very similar to the first, as Havre cruised to an easy 25-9 victory, which put Browning on the verge of defeat. The third set was more competitive between the two teams, but when it was all said and done, the Ponies still took care of business and closed out the match with a 25-15 victory to ensure the sweep.

“I was really happy with how the team played,” HHS head coach Tamecia Jarvis said. “I gave them a goal of winning in three games and they achieved it. I think having those wins under our belt have really helped. Now they can go out there and focus on winning instead of just going out and playing.”

As a team, Havre outperformed Browning across the board as the Ponies totaled 25 kills compared to just 10 for Browning. Havre also had 15 assists and 11 aces compared to 10 assists and two aces for the Indians.

Browning did manage more digs (54) then Havre (44), but the Ponies did a better job of protecting the net with four blocks compared to just two for the home team.

“Our hitting percentage was finally in the positive,” Jarvis said. “They did a good job of getting their shots up and their defense wasn’t bad, so I think the girls are learning they don’t have to kill the ball every time.They can tip it and be creative with how they hit the ball to keep the defense off guard, and I think that has helped a lot.”

Havre got a balanced effort as a number of players played key roles and put together solid performances. Dani Wager was solid again for HHS as she notched a match-high 10 kills to spark the Pony offense.

Naomi Terry was also a big part of Havre’s offensive attack as she finished with a team-high eight assists, while Wagner contributed with seven. Terry also led the Ponies with four aces. Megan Erickson led the way for Havre defensively with 13 digs, while Jacey McDonald and Reggie Bernard each finished with two blocks apiece.

Jarvis, who said she hasn’t even begun to think about the Eastern A Divisional tournament later this season, is happy with her team’s improvement, yet is focused on getting better.

“I haven’t even thought that far ahead yet,” Jarvis said. “I am just trying to get through the season. I just don’t want the girls to be satisfied. We need to keep working hard every day and getting better.”

The Ponies will take a break from conference play this week as they will host a pair of Class B opponents at the HHS gymnasium Saturday. The Ponies will take on Conrad at 10 a.m., followed by a battle with Choteau at 3:30 p.m.

Havre def. Browning

25-10, 25-9, 25-15

Havre leaders – Kills 25 (Dani Wagner 10); assists 15 (Naomi Terry 8); aces 11 (Naomi Terry 4); digs 44 (Megan Erickson 13); blocks 4 (Reggie Bernard 2, Jacey McDonald 2).

Browning leaders – Kills 13 (Caroline McEvers 4); assists 10 (Olivia Hall 10); aces 2 (Talisia Crowspreadshiswings 1, Ronnal Jordan 1); digs 54 (Melissa Flamond 13); blocks 2 (Talisia Crowspreadshiswings 2).