Granite, Drummond gain valuable experience at Manhattan Christian tourney

MANHATTAN – Wins weren’t at a premium for local teams Saturday during pool play at the Manhattan Christian Volleyball Tournament, but experience for the season ahead was in great supply.

Drummond managed the only win before the brackets, beating White Sulfur Springs before falling to Butte Central, Bridger and the hosts school Manhattan. That set them up as the third ranked team going into the Silver Bracket where the Lady Trojans fell in the opener to Butte Central.

“We learned a lot, worked hard and have a team of young ladies who have a strong desire to be better each day,” said DHS Head Coach Brooks Phillips. “As we go forward we will be focusing on developing our skills and trying a new offense that may be a better fit for our team.”

The Lady Prospectors were unable to manage a win in pool play, but advanced to the semifinals of the Silver Bracket. They beat White Sulfur Springs (15-12, 4-15, 15-7) before falling to Ennis (11-15, 15-13, 8-15).

“It's always great to play and see teams we normally don't see,” said GHS Head Coach Jennifer Graham. “We were in a pool with Gardiner, Ennis, Townsend, and Great Falls Central, so that is exciting.  Again the name of the game is constantly improving and never settling with our team chemistry and our volleyball play.”

The Lady Trojans will be back in action Tuesday as they host the Mustangs of Ennis while Granite gets a few days off before heading to Darby Friday to play the Tigers.

Drummond JV

In pool play the Lady Trojan JV had a record of 3-1 putting them into the Gold Bracket of the tournament. They fell in the opener to Butte Central, 13-15, 7-15.

"I was very happy how the girls played as a team against some hard competition.," said DHS JV Coach Tiffany Parke.