Panthers volleyball ends season at 13-2

When you reach the Divisional volleyball tournament, there are no walkovers. That’s been especially true in Montana’s Class B South, which for years has brought together some of the state’s strongest squads.

Two years ago, an undefeated and highly heralded Jefferson High team had its quest for a state championship cut short at Divisionals. This year, another undefeated Panther team likewise made it to the Divisional tourney in Red Lodge – but couldn’t make it out.

The first match, on Thursday, was with Roundup. In the first set, the Panthers tied the score at 9 on an ace by Maddie Leiva and again at 14 on a kill by Hope Dobyns. But Roundup outscored Jefferson from there, 11-6, to pull out the set, 25-17. Double-hit calls hurt the Panthers; I’m not sure if I have ever witnessed that many in a match.