In a back-and-forth affair, the Sully Buttes Charger volleyball team was their own worst enemy committing numerous unforced errors, and fell to Jones County at home by the finals of 24-26, 25-18, 15-25, 25-23 and 15-13.
The Chargers and Coyotes each had 15 service errors and Sully Buttes couldn’t sustain a finishing rally late in the final two sets.
Leading the way for Sully Buttes was senior Payge Bakker, who after dealing with a leg and knee injury midway through last season, came on strong and had 14 kills. Cateri Yellowhawk stepped in with a solid performance in the back row in the libero position.
Jones County’s young lineup showed resilience, with strong play from junior Addison Rankin in the left hitter position, along with Mallory Venard in back row center.
The 1-0 Coyotes face Bison at home Saturday while the 0-1 Charger girls will host a big tournament starting at 10AM Saturday at Sully Buttes gym. Teams slated to attend include Herreid Selby Area, McIntosh, McLaughlin, North Central and Potter County.
Also announced at the game, Bakker-at the end of July-signed a letter of commitment to attend Northern State and compete in their track and field program, following her senior year at A-B-O School.
