by Scott Sacry, Sports Editor
The Hamilton volleyball team is off to a strong start to the 2025 season. Hamilton has an experienced group led by seniors Aurie Duncan, Ciara Hanley, Lundyn Murray, Jenna Ellis, and Ashlynn McKern. The Broncs also get key contributions from juniors Kaitlyn Snavely and Jade Jimenez, and sophomore Ella Griffin. Expect this group to make a deep postseason run this fall.
Hamilton hosted Stevensville on Thursday, September 11, in a conference battle between two Bitterroot Valley foes. The game was competitive throughout, but Hamilton had too much firepower and won in straight sets, 3-0 (25-19, 25-19, 25-20).
Hamilton’s Lundyn Murray (left), Jenna Ellis (middle), and Ciara Hanley (right) are part of a strong senior led Broncs volleyball team. Hamilton defeated Stevensville in Hamilton on Thursday, September 11. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Hamilton ventured north to Whitefish on Saturday, Sept. 13 and defeated the Bulldogs 3-1 (25-18, 25-22, 21-25, 25-17).
Stevensville traveled to Dillon on Saturday, Sept. 13, and lost to the Beavers 0-3 (15-25, 17-25, 17-25).
Stevensville’s Kyndahl Plantz goes up for a block in the Stevensville/Hamilton volleyball match in Hamilton on Thursday, September 11. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Volleyball roundup
Florence keeps dominating
The Florence volleyball team went to Darby on Tuesday, September 9 and won 3-0 (25-6, 25-9, 25-6). For Florence, Emory Ralston had 14 aces and 6 kills, Maggie Schneiter had 13 assists, Lexi Danczyk had 3 blocks, and Taylor Pyette had 4 digs.
Then on Thursday, Sept. 11, Florence played at Arlee and won 3-0 (25-6, 25-8, 25-3). For Florence, Maggie Schneiter had 8 aces, 17 assists, and 7 digs, and Emory Ralston had 10 kills.
Darby
The Darby volleyball team is in their 3rd season in Class B – before the 2023-2024 season they were a Class C school. This can be a challenge for the Tigers as their enrollment numbers aren’t as big as some of the bigger Class B schools.
Darby hosted Florence on Tuesday, September 9, and lost 0-3 (6-25, 9-25, 6-25). Then on Thursday, Sept. 11, they hosted Missoula Loyola and lost 0-3 (6-25, 6-26, 2-25).
Corvallis
Corvallis hosted Ronan on Tuesday, September 9, and lost in a hard fought match 0-3 (25-23, 25-16. 25-18). Then the Blue Devils went to Whitefish on Saturday, Sept. 13 and lost 0-3 (19-25, 22-25, 10-25).
Victor
Victor played Seeley-Swan on Thursday, September 11, and were defeated 0-3 (11-25, 17-25, 19-25).