Malta Finishes Third in Northern B

Coach Mary Grace Kalal summed up her first year as M-ette volleyball coach with, “I couldn’t have been any more blessed as a first-year coach to have the group that I got,” as the girls wrapped up the 2022 season taking third place at Divisionals in Choteau on Saturday. This year only two teams advance to State action this weekend.

The M-ettes opening challenge came Thursday afternoon in action against Shelby Wolves. Malta took the first set to 27-29; a game that held the attention of the fans. “It was a clear indication to me that these girls weren’t about to give up on this game,” stated Coach Kalal.

Malta fired up and came back after the loss in the first set to take Shelby on stronger in the next two 25-14 and 29-19. Shelby geared up to take the fourth game 19-25; Malta returned to the court determined for the 5th game and ended the game with a win of 15-6.

“I think with this being our first game, the tournament nerves were in play, which was expected. The girls played very well!” She added, “The win over Shelby was for sure, much wanted by the girls.”

Game two for the team paired them against the Choteau Bulldogs, who had just won 3-0 over the Poplar Indians. The games were intense and showed the skills needed for a win. Malta won the first game 25-21, then fell to the Bulldogs in the next three games 20-25, 22-25, and 17-25. “Choteau is a good team and they always have been since I remember. We took a set from them and our scores were all pretty close. They are probably the best team that we saw all season and seeing how close we matched up with them was great!” With the level of competition of the Bulldogs, Coach Kalal was impressed with her girls. “The girls should be proud of that game, even though it was a loss, it was a great game to be a part of!” With confidence in her team, she stated, “I think the girls learned that they really are capable of competing with the top teams.”

Leading scorers for the team were: Aces 6 (Allison Kunze 2, Tia Siewing 2); blocks 5 (Kunze 3); assists 49 (Madison Williamson 29, Rylee Hines 20) digs 100 (Isabel Hansen 21, Siewing 17); and kills 50 (Kunze 12, Addy Anderson 11).

Friday action saw the M-ettes facing Cut Bank in Match 9 of the tournament. The M-ettes were victorious in three sets: 25-19, 25-18, and 25-22. This game eliminated Cut Bank from the tournament. Stats for the game; Aces 10 (Allison Kunze 4); blocks 5 (Kunze 4); assists 24 (Rylee Hines 24); digs 44 (Isabel Hansen 13, Tia Siewing 10); and kills 29 (Kunze 8, Hansen 7).

With that win giving the team restored confidence, they went to battle with the Fairfield Eagles Friday evening. The M-ettes scored: Aces 5 (Isabel Hansen 3); blocks 4 (Denvyr Tuss 2, Allison Kunze 2); assists 33 (Rylee Hines 16, Madison Williamson 11); digs 57 (Hansen 13, Kennedy Koss 12); and Allison Kunze claimed 11 of 34 kills.

“Both of the matches were the best ball we have played all season and it was AMAZING! As one said, ‘…the girls played Lights Out!’…” said Coach Kalal. “Friday was such a great day for the girls and I hope they have pride in the games that they played and how well they did over the weekend.”

What would be the closeout of a great season, and career for the seniors came in the game against Glasgow on Saturday morning. Glasgow came geared up and ready for another battle with the high-line rivals. Glasgow took Malta in three games: 21-25, 20-25, and 17-25.

“I think the girls’ bodies were catching up to them. Glasgow played three games total and we played one being a close 5 game set. I don’t think people realize how much energy and effort can be put into one match that goes to 5 sets that can be a total of 115 points for one team,” Coach Kalal shared.

Glasgow was then in the bracket for the championship game playing against Choteau, and the Bulldogs showed the Scotties the upper paw and took the Scotties in three straight games.

Coach Kalal also closed her season by sharing accolades for her team, “I am immensely proud of the girls and this team as a whole. The Seniors were great leaders to the younger girls and they were all so willing to learn and so coachable.”

With the nets all packed in storage now, the gym is quiet and only echoes memories of the season and it was memorable. The M-ettes never failed to display the dignity and eminence that follows the motto, “A tradition of excellence.”

The squad has nine seniors on the team, giving notice that there will be more new faces on the floor for the 2023 season. The M-ettes will be a force to be reckoned with and inspiring with the fortitude and energy these girls bring on the court.

Coach Kalal closed with, “I am grateful for everything this job has brought me. I would like to thank the girls and my assistant coaches for being so amazing and fun to work with.”

Congratulations M-ettes and thanks for a great season.