2019 M-ette Volleyball

The Malta M-ettes Volleyball Team will have a new look in 2019 after graduating five seniors, who each saw time in the starting lineup.

The M-ettes consist of 26 athletes and four managers this season. The team has also added 13 freshman and height to this year's varsity team.

"They (the freshmen) are super athletic, so they challenge our older girls and overall it is going to make our program better," Coach Kalli Rummel told the PCN. "Girls are willing to play positions that they haven't played in the past, so I think we are going to end up with some pretty well rounded athletes."

Returning to the group are seniors Kelbee Denham, Kaylanna Bain, Macy Williamson, Carly Garfield, and Rya Soul. Junior Erica Smith also returns with fellow junior Kylie Hunter, and Sidney Meeks. All of the aforementioned will start the season with varsity minutes. The varsity list also included sophomores Justine Lamb and Kaylee Bishop.

The team welcomed back Kelbee Denham this summer, who had a knee injury at the conclusion of last year's basketball season. This season Denham will not be wearing her lime green jersey.

"She is looking great," Rummel said with a smile. "She is going to be one of our strong outside hitters. She was previously a libero for us, so it's going to be a little bit of a change for her. She did some outside hitting for us in JV last season, so she has a bit of experience."

The team lost five seniors to graduation last season including Janessa Malmend, Kyliegh Schipman, and Kloie Marks, who each earned All-Conference honors last season. Wylee Young and Raina Mortenson also graduated last season.

Due to the need of new starters this season, the M-ettes have also gained some starters with height including Carly Garfield, who is listed at 6-1. Other possible starters include Justine Lamb, and Sidney Meeks who are listed at 5-9. Bain, Bishop, and Hunter are listed at 5-8.

The team is currently searching for a libero, the defensive position that will take on a majority of kill attempts and serves.

"There are some potential freshmen that have our eye right now because they are super aggressive, so it may be a one year thing and we may change next year," Coach Rummel said.

The team will likely use Smith and Hunter as setters in their 6-2 offense, given the duo has the most experience at the position.

Last year's team team went 1-2 at the 2018 Northern B Divisional. This year they hope to go further with teams in the 2B District having to deal with turnover, including Wolf Point, who last year's 2B Champion.

"They lost the two Bighorn girls, Juve, and their setter," Coach Rummel said.

2019 Malta Volleyball

Game Schedule

DAY DATE EVENT Time SITE

Mon. Aug. 19 First Day of Practice 3:30 PM Malta HS

Sat. Aug. 31 Malta Invite Tourney 9 AM Malta

Fri.-Sat. Sept. 6-7 Chinook Invite Tourney TBA Chinook

Tues. Sept. 10 North Country 5 PM Malta

Thurs. Sept. 12 @Glasgow 4 PM Glasgow

Sat. Sept. 14. Poplar 1 PM Malta

Tues. Sept. 17 @Chinook 3:30 PM Chinook

Thurs. Sept. 19 @Harlem 4:30 PM Harlem

Sat. Sept. 21 Wolf Point 1:00 PM Malta

Fri. Sept 27 @ Roundup 4:30 PM Roundup

Sat. Sept. 28 Roundup Invite Tourney TBA Roundup

Tues. Oct. 1 @North Country 5:00 PM Whitewater

Tues. Oct. 8 Chinook 3:30 PM Malta

Thurs. Oct. 10 Harlem 3:30 PM Malta

Sat. Oct. 12 @Wolf Point 4:00 PM Wolf Point

Wed. Oct. 16 @Poplar 3:30 PM Poplar

Thurs. Oct. 17 Glasgow 3:30 PM Malta

Sat. Oct. 26 Roundup (Senior Night) 1:00 PM Malta

Nov. 1- 2nd District 2B Tournament TBA Glasgow

Nov. 7-9 Northern B Divisional Tourney TBA Wolf Point

Nov. 14-15 Class B State Tournament TBA MSU-Bozeman