The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

The Harlem Lady Cats had a tough test this week traveling to Saco/Whitewater/Hinsdale and the Glasgow Scotties in a pair of really strong opponents. The Lady Cats continued to play hard but fell to the Mavericks in straight sets 3-0. Saturday in Glasgow they again gave their all, but the Scotties handed the Lady Cats another 3-0 loss. Harlem began the season with a 3-0 loss to the Wolf Point Wolves in their conference opener. The Lady Cats then won thrilling five set match against the Poplar Indian in their home opener evening their conference record at 1-1. Next the girls were on the road again taking on the Fairview Warriors in a non-conference clash. The Warriors proved to be too much in 3-0 loss.

Thursday the Lady Cats welcomed the North Country Mavericks to town in a non-conference tilt. Harlem got off to slow start dropping the first set 25-15. As good as the Mavericks were in the first set, they were even better in set number two, winning the set 25-12. With all the momentum in North Country's favor, the Mavericks closed out Harlem with a 25-9 third set win to take the match 3-0.

Saturday the Lady Cats were in Glasgow facing a talented Scottie team. Harlem fell behind early in set number one and couldn't climb back, falling 25-15. In set number two the Lady Cats battled the Scotties well but, in the end, Glasgow took the second set 25-20. The Lady Cats came out slow in the third set and never challenged falling 25-11.

Harlem Head Coach, Kim Faulkinberry talked about her team Sunday morning, "North Country just out played us. They served very well; we didn't pass well. When we did get the pass, we couldn't convert." Faulkinberry went on to say, "They are huge up front, while our tallest is 5'8". I have a feeling that North Country will make a run for another State trophy this year. We told our girls that we are going to only get better playing against teams like North Country. We kept battling and didn't give up, which is a step in the right direction."

Faukinberry reflected on her team's effort Saturday, "Against Glasgow, we started out really well which really lit a fire under the Scotties. We did a better job of passing at times, but we have to stop opposing teams from serving streaks. I did like that we didn't shut down and the girls supported each other. We are still a work in progress. We are still looking for consistency and solid team chemistry. We really believe that it will come. We will use the regular season to learn and grow to prepare for post season."