by Scott Sacry, Sports Editor
The Florence volleyball team is off to a strong start to the 2025 season. In their opening week they were undefeated in a Class A Tip-off Tournament in Polson, then last week they won straight set games against Plains and Thompson Falls.
Florence was the Class B state runner-up last season, and this year’s team is a good mix of veteran leadership and new faces. They look poised to make another deep postseason run this year.
On Thursday, September 4, Florence hosted Thompson Falls and won 3-0. The Lady Falcons won a close first set 25-21, then rolled in the next two, winning 25-10 and 25-15. For Florence, Emory Ralston had 10 kills and 8 digs, and Maggie Schneiter had 11 aces, 15 assists and 3 blocks.
Florence’s Maggie Schneiter sets the ball in Florence’s game against Thompson Falls on Thursday, September 4 in Florence. Florence won 3-0, and Schneiter had 11 aces and 15 assists. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Florence went to Plains on Tuesday, Sept. 2 and trounced the Trotters 3-0 (25-16, 25-10, 25-10). For Florence, Emory Ralston had 11 kills, and 11 digs, Lexi Danczyk had 2 blocks, Maggie Schneiter had 15 assists, and Dia Jenkins had 6 aces.
Darby falls to Troy (smaller, under Florence volleyball story)
The Darby volleyball team hosted Troy on Thursday, September 4 and lost 3-2 in a hard fought five-set match. Darby took the first set 25-19, then lost two in a row 12-25, 20-25 before winning the fourth set 25-19. Darby fell in the final set 6-15. For Darby, Brenna Bush had 2 aces, 4 kills and 4 assists, Natalie Anderson had 3 aces, 7 kills and 4 blocks, Austin Hackel had 3 kills and 4 assists, Hadley Heiland had 3 blocks, and Brooklyn Janis had 5 aces and 7 kills.