Ator Proud Of Team For Reaching Goal
It took a while for it to sink in for Froid/Lake volleyball senior setter Meg Ator. The Red Hawks qualified for the state tournament on Saturday morning, but it wasn’t until that evening that Ator realized that she and her teammates accomplished their goal.
“It’s crazy. As the day went on, it hit me,” Ator said of advancing to the state tourney. “All those hours in the gym paid off.”
She explained the long journey to earning a state berth started when the girls and coaches made a commitment to hitting the weight room many mornings during the summer.
“I’m so proud of all of them for all their work,” Ator said. “I want to thank our coaches for doing a good job. Our success is from them.”
The Red Hawks’ only losses this season came against divisional champion Plentywood four times and North Country once. After losing to North Country at the district tournament, the Red Hawks defeated the Mavericks the next day.
Although the Red Hawks have relied on the standout play of returning starters Dasani Nesbit, Aleah Johnson, Carolyne Christoffersen, Baylee Davidson and Ator, another reason for the Red Hawks’ success in the post season was the improved play of sophomore Jaeleigh Davidson and freshman Mara Salvevold.
“Mara and Jaeleigh have really stepped up and it’s been helpful,” Ator said.
She added that senior Kennedy Ereth also provides great leadership. “She’s done a very good job,” Ator noted.
Ator, who has been playing volleyball since the sixth grade, sees her role as being one of the squad’s top servers and being a leader on the court. “And to support others,” she said.
After a consistent regular season, the Red Hawks placed second at the district tournament.
“I knew we could do it after district as long as we worked hard and stay focused,” Ator said. “After beating Jordan on Thursday, I knew we were capable of it.” The Red Hawks needed to beat Jordan a second time in the tournament on Saturday in Sidney. Froid/Lake got the job done in three straight sets.
“We knew we just needed to play our game,” Ator said. “Right away, it went well. I had a feeling it was ours.”
It is the first time that the Froid/Lake co-op team qualified for the state volleyball tournament. Medicine Lake qualified for the state volleyball tourney in 1991.
After watching the Froid/ Lake football team win the state six-man title last fall, the girls knew that reaching new heights was possible with hard work and determination. “Our boys have done it, it shows it’s within reach,” Ator said.
The Red Hawks will open against Bridger at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 11, at the Class C state tournament in Bozeman.
“I just want us to work hard and show that we deserve to be there and that we can play with everybody else,” Ator said.
