M-ette Volleyball: Malta takes aim for 2B Volleyball crown

The Malta M-ettes had a superb week as they defeated Plentywood, who was previously top ranked in 2B volleyball.

Coach Julia Tatafu told the PCN that it was the first time in her three years as a coach that Malta has traveled to Plentywood and defeated the Lady Wildcats.

"It was a big game for us, because we lost to them in five when they came here," Coach Tatafu said. "The team came out and played an awesome game."

She went on to say that there were times they were down by a couple of points but the team kept playing hard.

"I was pretty proud of our girls because it was a big night for Plentywood. It was their senior night and homecoming night, so there was a big crowd there," she said.

The crowd was in full throat in the beginning of the game, which made Coach Tatafu, a little nervous.

"After we got going, we quieted them down," she said.

Darby Schye and Larimie Scheffelmear led in kills, scoring eight kills a piece. The team had 26 total.

The M-ettes also hosted a block party, registering 12 blocks that night. Schye and Scheffelmear had three blocks a piece.

The team had 17 aces and were led by Markelle Lett, who had six. She also led in assists, with 12 of 20.

Kourtney Simonson, the team's libero had 13 digs. The team had 58 total.

In their victory on Friday over Harlem, Malta won in three, though at times Harlem looked poised to take the M-ettes to five. The scores were, 25-14, 25-21 and 25-18.

Schye led the team in kills, with nine of 29.

Markelle Lett had a stellar game as she led in digs, with 12 of 31 and tied with Kelsey Kuehn in assists, with 12 of 26.

Kuehn also had the lead in aces with four of 11.

Larimie Scheffelmear recorded all three team blocks.

That night a few things stuck out, one of which was the play of Kaycee Howard, who often won battles against Harlem in receiving their serves.

The PCN caught up with her to talk about one of the most important things in volleyball. Passing.

"To me, passing is real important because it starts off the set for a really good hit or a dump," Howard said. "It's the first hit of the rotation."

On the first two sets, Malta fell behind by more than a few, and though Kaitlyn Smith didn't get many aces, she served for more than 7 points in those sets.

"I try not to pay attention to the score too much. I just focus on getting the ball over and in and put the ball where coach tells me to put it," Smith said.

Being 5'7" Smith is one of the smaller hitters on Malta's team, however, she packed quite the punch.

"I've always been able to jump well," she said. "Even when we were little I could jump."

When the PCN asked her if she could jump over a bus, she confidently said yes.

Though the team won that night, Smith believes the team can improve by working better as a team, but she was relieved for the win.

"We're getting better at communicating but it can still use improvement," Kaycee Howard added.

She also noted that the team needs to focus on the point they are currently on and not lost points.

If Malta can defeat Poplar tonight, then the team will be first in the division and will earn the title conference champs.

That would be another first for Coach Julia Tatafu, who has had three great years as Head Coach.