Lady Lions VB Season Wrap
BY: AJ Truman and Tristan Butts
The Eureka Lions volleyball team had a successful season this year, including many achievements and their first state tournament appearance since 2017. Some of these successes include taking second place at the Divisional Tournament and winning a game at the state tournament since 2005. Previous State appearances include 2017 (0-2), 2005 (2nd place), 2006 (0-2). This is the Lions most successful season since the ‘05 campaign. Hopefully the achievements of this season will carry over and push the younger Lady Lady Lions to continue this success. Their overall record was 23-5.
The Lady Lions volleyball team started their season in late August with high aspirations of making the state tournament and possibly winning some games at it. They jumped out to a hot start winning their first 3 games against Arlee, Darby, and Libby. The Lions stayed humble knowing there were better teams to come.
On September 9 they traveled to Florence for what they knew would be the toughest game as of yet. The Lions lost in four sets to the Falcons but showed good fight.
Throughout the regular season in District 7B competition the Lions only lost 3 sets throughout 10 matches. Thompson Falls was the second place team with a 6-4 record in the district. The Lady Lions won all of their conference matches (10-0). This earned them the number one seed in the District tournament where they dominated, not losing a single set. They came home to host the Divisional tournament beating Deer Lodge and Anaconda to claim a spot at the State Tournament for the first time since 2017. They finished in second place at Divisionals.
State Tournament. The Lady Lions claimed fifth place at the state tournament this year falling to the Championship team Huntley Project and the Third Place team the Columbus Cougars.
In the Lions first match of the tournament, they were matched up against the Huntley Project Red Devils. Huntley has won 14 state championships and is widely recognized as the best program in class B. The Lions fell to the Red Devils in three sets. This loss matched the Lions up against divisional opponent Deer Lodge and defeated the Wardens in three sets. Getting a state tournament win for the first time since 2005, the Lady Lions got a boost of confidence ahead of their matchup against the Columbus Cougars. However, this was not enough as the Cougars prevailed over the Lions in three sets.
When asked about the season, Senior Bryn Van Orden said, “It was a great season and fun to be able to play that type of competition. I will never forget it.”
“It was a good season and a good experience with a new team. I am looking forward to what we can accomplish next year,” said Junior Annie Vaughn.
Post-Season Awards
All-State
Kara Stanger
Annie Vaughn
First-Team All-Conference
Aubrey Casazzza
Second-Team All-Conference
Sophie Vaughn
Stat Leaders
Kills-Kara Stanger (358)
Assists-Annie Vaughn (428)
Blocks-Aubrey Casazza (27)
Digs-Sophie Vaughn (376)
Aces-Kara Stanger (71)
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