Lady Trojans show potential in homecoming loss

There has been marked improvement each and every time the Whitehall High School volleyball team has the taken the court during the 2018 season.

One of the biggest highlights of the seasons for the Lady Trojans came last Friday evening during a homecoming tilt against Three Forks.

While Whitehall was unable to come away with a victory, they showed significant progress including nearly taking a dramatic back and fourth second set they would eventually lose 26-24.

The Lady Trojans quickly shook off a three-set loss Thursday to Broadwater, and played strong to open despite a 25-19 first set loss to the Lady Wolves. They would carry over positive momentum to the second set where they broke open a tight set taking as big of a 22-18 lead in front of a loud home crowd. Whitehall would eventually take a 24-21 lead, but were unable to capitalize on several set point opportunities. Three Forks would eventually tie the score at 24-24 and then score the next two points. The Lady Wolves would also take the third set, this time 25-14.

Following the match, first-year head coach Sage Hengst praised the play of her team, especially during the second set.

"I thought they played beautiful. They played amazing. They decided to do some quick plays I've been asking to do forever. The energy level was insane," she said.

Despite the positives, Hengst wants her team to take the next step to get their first conference win of the season.

"We just can't finish. We need to learn how to get those last couple balls over the net," she said.

This week, the team will be on the road Thursday at Big Timber and Saturday at a tournament in Manhattan.

Hengst is excited about working with the team to take the next step. She said they have improved every game and know they can play with the conference teams, they just need that little push over the top.

"We can work on that in practice. We can always work on things that will get us to the next level," she said.

Hengst is also excited for her team to start playing teams for a second time in conference play, and with a focus in practice will be ready for district and state meet.

TUESDAY NIGHT

The Lady Trojans fell in action Tuesday, September 25 at Twin Bridges. Whitehall lost by the score of 25-14, 25-22, 25-23.