Havre High volleyball takes third at Divisionals

The postseason finally began for the Havre High volleyball team this past weekend as the Blue Ponies competed in the Eastern A Divisional Volleyball Tournament in Laurel. The Ponies looked to continue their strong play as they entered the tournament as the Northeast No. 1 seed with their 13-1 record.

The weekend started strong for the Ponies with wins Thursday and Friday afternoon to qualify for state. However, the Ponies lost two matches Friday and Saturday to end the tournament and finish third. While the Ponies could have finished better, HHS head coach Stephanie Huse was pleased with how they played to open the postseason.

“The girls did a really good job this weekend, especially in our matches Thursday and Friday. I thought they did a really good job of being focused and executing what we needed to execute,” Huse said. “Saturday was a little bit of a letdown. We did not play to our potential. I think everyone was pretty disappointed with the outcome but overall for the weekend, I think we’re pretty pleased with what we did.”

After defeating Livingston Thursday to open the tournament, the Ponies faced Hardin Thursday afternoon. After defeating Hardin the previous weekend to end the regular season, the Ponies again won as they defeated Hardin, 3-1, by scores of 26-24, 25-15, 17-25 and 25-22.

The first set Friday afternoon saw the teams go back and forth with neither team building a sizable lead. Hardin eventually took a 22-21 lead but the Ponies responded with a 5-2 run to win the first set, 26-24, for a 1-0 lead in the match.

After an early 5-2 deficit to start the second set, Havre roared back to take a 12-8 lead. Hardin was unable to regain momentum as Havre won the second set, 25-15, for a 2-0 lead in the match.

The third set was more competitive with the Ponies and Bulldogs tied, 12-12. The Bulldogs then took momentum as they scored seven straight points for a 19-12 lead. Hardin went on to win the set, 25-17, to extend the match.

“They’re a well-coached team who gets them to buy in every single set,” Huse said about Hardin’s effort in the third set. “Whether they win or lose, they’re coming at you full force every time.”

The Bulldogs held onto momentum as they led most of the fourth set. As they trailed 18-16, the Ponies were able to regain momentum with a 7-2 run. Havre hung on to win the set, 25-22, to win the match, 3-1. After losing the third set, Huse and her players knew they had to refocus in order to close out the match.

“The reality of the position it would put us in if we didn’t really dial in and execute and do what we needed to do, I think that was a motivating factor for our girls,” Huse said. “The girls just really stepped up and worked hard to finish that match.”

With the win, the Ponies advanced to face Billings Central Friday night. The Ponies have had their troubles against the Rams this season and Friday was no different as Havre lost, 3-2, by scores of 17-25, 26-24, 25-23, 16-25 and 12-15 Friday afternoon.

After Billings Central won the first set, 25-17, the Ponies responded by winning the next two sets by scores of 26-24 and 25-23 to take a 2-1 lead in the match. Huse believed her players’ efforts led them to early success against the Rams.

“The girls were very much all on the same page and determined to win every point that they were fighting for,” Huse said. “They never let up. They stayed together. They just worked extremely hard. I think a big part to our success during that match was our ball control and our defense was just extremely strong.”

However, the Rams responded by winning the next two sets by scores of 25-16 and 15-12 to win the match. Huse credits the Rams for being a tough opponent that her team could not close out.

“It was just a battle from start to finish. They kept coming at us. We kept coming at them. It was like a boxing match,” Huse said. “At the end, they were able to get over the hump when we couldn’t.”

With the win, Billings Central advanced and went on to win the Eastern A Divisional title. With the loss, Havre faced Hardin in a rematch and an elimination match Saturday. This time, Hardin emerged victorious with a 3-2 victory by scores of 17-25, 15-25, 25-22, 25-20 and 15-5.

“It’s extremely hard to face a talented team like Hardin three times in two weeks,” Huse said. “When you face an opponent like that, it’s extremely difficult to beat them three times in a row.”

With the third-place finish, the Ponies earned the Eastern No. 3 seed in the state tournament this weekend. After a disappointing end to divisionals, Huse and her team have a better idea on what worked for the Ponies.

“At this point in the season, there isn’t a lot to change or improve upon,” Huse said. “I think it’s just really understanding that when we execute and keep things simple, focus on our fundamentals and then mentally and emotionally stay together.”

The Ponies will begin the State Class A Volleyball Tournament in Bozeman this Thursday.

Havre def. Hardin

26-24, 25-15, 17-25, 25-22

HAV - Aces 6 (Alyssa Oliver 2, Jade Wendland 2, Molly Huse 1); Kills 48 (Avery Carlson 13, Maddie Columbus 12, Yelena Miller 7); Assists 28 (Huse 28); Blocks 9 (Miller 7, Wendland 2); Digs 103 (Oliver 40, Carlson 20, Huse 15).

Billings Central def. Havre

17-25, 26-24, 25-23, 16-25, 12-15

HAV - Aces 4 (Alyssa Oliver 2, Lizzi Haney 1, Yelena Miller 1); Kills 43 (Kyanna Jarvis 11, Avery Carlson 9, Miller 9); Assists 38 (Molly Huse 35); Blocks 6 (Jade Wendland 3, Miller 2, Huse 1); Digs 111 (Oliver 41, Carlson 17, Huse 14).

Hardin def. Havre

25-17, 25-15, 22-25, 20-25, 5-15

HAV - Aces 4 (Alyssa Oliver 1, Jade Wendland 1, Molly Huse 1); Kills 42 (Maddie Columbus 11, Yelena Miller 10); Assists 37 (Huse 37); Blocks 8 (Avery Carlson 2, Miller 2, Huse 2); Digs 96 (Oliver 36, Carlson 20, Wendland 15).