Granite hosts, Drummond wins ’24 Tip-off Tournament

PHILIPSBURG – Twelve teams converged on Philipsburg as Granite hosted the annual Tip-off Tournament to start the volleyball season.

The Lady Trojans and Lady Prospectors were in separate halves of the pool and both finished with spotless 3-0 records. Drummond bested Seeley Swan, Superior JV, and St. Regis while Granite defeated Valley Christian, Darby, and Charlo . Those victories put both squads into the tournament’s championship bracket as the No. 1 seeds.

In their openers the Lady Prospectors beat St. Regis while the Lady Trojans beat Valley Christian. Drummond continued the winning by taking out Lincoln in the semifinals, but Granite lost a rematch with Charlo. The Lady Trojans claimed the title with a 25-15, 25-18, 15-12 sweep of the Lady Vikings.

“The team brought a positive attitude to the tournament and proved that the work they did in the off season can set them up for success,” said Drummond Head Coach Sam Thomas of her team’s play. “We look forward to another fun, competitive season.”

Granite Head Coach Kaley Hansen reflected on her team’s play as well.

“Lost out to charlo in the semis. We have mental stuff to work on.”

Both teams will have to get themselves together in short order as they open the combined District 13/14C schedule Tuesday against each other. The junior varsity will get things started at 5:30 p.m. with the varsity feature match at 7.