Volleyball Roundup: Manhattan Christian ‘pushed’ but remains unbeaten with road win against Belt

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Manhattan Christian kept its perfect season alive Thursday with a four-set nonconference victory on the road against Belt.

Led by Ashlyn Burley and Karissa Van Kirk, who combined for 31 kills, the Eagles posted a 25-18, 25-17, 23-25, 25-14 victory. It’s just the second time this season the team has lost a set in a match.

“It was a tough match. Belt is a great team and really pushed us,” Christian head coach Hanna Van Dyk said. “The girls served really aggressively today so we were able to force them out of system. Bella (Cash-Rich) had a fantastic match. She was picking up everything they sent her way. Karissa was also really consistent again.”

Cash-Rich, a senior libero, finished with 18 digs, while Burley and Van Kirk had 17 and 16, respectively. Burley also had a pair of blocks.

Brielle Sander and Alexa Van Kley combined for 41 assists and Markelle Johnson had two blocks.

The Eagles (12-0) are back in action Oct. 20 at Manhattan.

Belgrade 3, Billings West 2

Belgrade won its second consecutive match Thursday with a five-set Eastern AA victory against Billings West. The Panthers held on for a 16-25, 27-25, 25-21, 27-29, 15-8 victory.

Hadley Secora led the charge with a match and career-high 26 kills and 15 digs. Gracie Christensen had 32 digs, while Cambree Christensen had 14 kills.

“Hadley had a great game and Gracie (too),” Belgrade head coach Sarah Fowler said.

Kinley Thomas and Liv Hanni dished out 23 and 21 assists, respectively.

Belgrade (8-6, 5-6 Eastern AA) returns to action Oct. 20 hosting Gallatin.

Manhattan 3, Lone Peak 0

Manhattan won its fifth consecutive match Thursday with a three-set conference sweep of Lone Peak. It’s the program longest winning streak since winning five straight in 2020.

Led by Savannah Droge and Millie Jones, who combined for 14 kills, the Tigers posted a 25-15, 25-12, 25-18 District 5B victory.

“It’s been a week since we played, so a little rusty, but we were able to get a few younger girls in a bit,” Manhattan head coach Michelle Mayo said. “They hung in there and did well.”

Tiffany Casebolt had 10 digs and three aces, while Brooke Armstrong dished out 19 assists. Droge added four aces.

The Tigers (8-5, 8-3 District 5B) are back in action Oct. 20 hosting Manhattan Christian.

Three Forks 3, Ennis 1

Three Forks lost the first set 19-25 Thursday at Ennis. But the Wolves rallied to win the next three, 25-22, 25-23 and 25-20, to notch a District 5B victory.

“It was a great night,” Three Forks head coach Aspen Hankinson said. “We started off just a little slow in that first match (set) but after that we came ready to play. It was a big night for some of our hitters.”

Alayna Paye and Peyton Bulh led the offense with 11 and nine kills, respectively. Hailey Williams tallied 24 digs, while Arabella McCauley had 32 assists, 10 digs, two blocks and two aces.

“They just played really well together and it was great to see it finally connect with some of our hitters,” said Hankinson. “We came in focused on what we had to do to win and never gave up so I’m super proud of them for that.”

Three Forks (6-5, 5-4 District 5B) returns to action Saturday hosting Jefferson.

Boxscores

Manhattan Christian def. Belt 25-18, 25-17, 23-25, 25-14.

MANHATTAN CHRISTIAN (12-0) – Kills: 43 (Ashlyn Burley 16, Karissa Van Kirk 15). Digs: 87 (Bella Cash-Rich 18, Burley 17, Van Kirk 16). Blocks: 7 (Markelle Johnson 2, Burley 2). Aces: 6 (Van Kirk 3). Assists: 44 (Brielle Sander 22, Alexa Van Kley 19).

BELT (8-3) – Stats not provided.

Belgrade def. Billings West 16-25, 27-25, 25-21, 27-29, 15-8.

BILLINGS WEST (11-5) – Stats not provided.

BELGRADE (8-6) – Kills: 56 (Hadley Secora 26, Cambree Christensen 14). Digs: 90 (Gracie Christensen 32, Secora 15). Blocks: 10 (Sienna Laddusaw 3.5, Avery Althans 3). Aces: 5 (5 with 1). Assits: 52 (Kinley Thomas 23, Liv Hanna 21).

Manhattan def. Lone Peak 25-15, 25-12, 25-18.

MANHATTAN (8-5) – Kills: 23 (Savannah Droge 8, Millie Jones 6). Digs: 24 (Tiffany Casebolt 10). Blocks: 8 (Sophia Boyd 3). Aces: 15 (Droge 4, Boyd 3, Casebolt 3). Assists: 22 (Brooke Armstrong 19).

LONE PEAK – Stats not provided.

Three Forks def. Ennis 19-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-20.

THREE FORKS (6-5) – Kills: 35 (Alayna Paye 11, Peyton Buhl 9). Digs: 78 (Hailey Williams 24, Maddy Cardwell 15). Blocks: 3 (Arabella McCauley 2). Aces: 5 (Cardwell 2, McCauley 2). Assists: 32 (McCauley 32).

ENNIS – Stats not provided.