Trotterquake hits Plains

by Skye Hill

and Annie Wooden

Taylor Swift fans caused an earthquake when the pop star performed in Seattle. The phenomenon is being referred to as Swiftquake. Last Thursday in the Plains High School gym, there was a Trotterquake as the home volleyball squad beat Thompson Falls in five intense sets.

The Blue Hawks had swept the Trotters in three straight sets when the teams played in Thompson Falls in September. This month, Plains was out for revenge.

The Trotters kicked off the first set with a strong lead before the Hawks tied it at 12 and then took a commanding lead to win 25-18. Plains bounced back with a vengeance in the second set, starting off with a 4-0 lead before Thompson caught up. Plains was able to get within one point of the Hawks, trailing just 14-13 when they took the lead for the first time in the set. Plains scored four in a row to take the match to 21-17 before the sealed the win 25-21.

Plains kept the momentum going in the third set. The Trotters started off the set on a winning run, but the Hawks caught up and the game was tied at 13 and 14 points apiece. Plains kicked it into high gear once again and took the third set 25-18.

With Plains up 2-1, the Hawks knew a win was needed to keep the Thursday night action alive. The teams traded points and leads throughout the set until Thompson Falls was up 13-12. From there, the Hawks led to the end and a 25-21 win, setting up a winner-take-all fifth set.

Coming into the final set, Thompson Falls took an early lead before Plains took their turn leading. When it was tied at 11 points each, Plains rallied to pull ahead and sealed the win 15-12.

HOT SPRINGS 3, ALBERTON 0

The Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat hosted the Alberton Panthers last Thursday securing the win in three sets 25-21, 27-25, 25-23.

Hot Springs had a sleepy start to the first set, letting Alberton go point for point, until they were able to get a shutout and keep the serve earning the win. The Lady Savage Heat were able to take the lead in the second set, but the Panthers never let their guard down. Hot Springs was able to take the lead they needed to win the second set. Going into the third set a fire was lit inside both teams, exciting the crowd with intense volleys until Hot Springs was able to take the win.

Senior Lauryn Aldridge was a top scorer earning six kills, two aces, and two blocks out of the three team blocks for the Lady Savage Heat. Kara Christensen proved her strong arm once again getting eight kills and five of the team's 11 aces.

CHARLO 3,

THOMPSON FALLS 2

The Lady Hawks hosted the Charlo Lady Vikings on Saturday, falling in five sets, 24-26, 16-25, 25-14, 25-21, 15-17.

Gabi Hannum led Thompson with five stunning aces, Addy Deal was close behind earning three. Hannum also led the team with 16 assists, Annalise Fairbank set up 14, Sarah Koskela spiked down 10 kills, and Emma Claridge helped the Lady Hawks with six kills. Fairbank and Claridge proved their skills at the net earning two blocks each. Olivia Fitchett and Deal dug up eight digs each, while Koskela earned seven.

The Lady Hawks hosted their last home game against the Troy Trojans October 17. Results will be in next week's Ledger.

NOXON 3,

ALBERTON 0

The Noxon Lady Red Devils traveled to take on the Alberton Panthers earning them a swift win in three sets, 25-20, 25-6, 25-14.

Senior Maygan Swanson proved to be a top competitor at the net earning her top scoring with eight kills, eight blocks, and eight aces for the Lady Red Devils. Mia Vogel, Noxon's other senior, also proved herself earning six kills, four aces, and nine assists. Emma Swanson served up three aces, nine digs and three assists. Abby Yoder showed her amazing passing with seven digs, with Jasmin Risch close behind with three.

The Lady Red Devils host Two Eagle River this week, Thursday October 19, with JV starting at 5:30.