HELENA -- Thursday is a big day in Western AA Volleyball, as No. 1 Helena Capital will play host to its crosstown rival and Helena High, which is tied for No. 2 in this week's Class AA coaches' poll.
The last time these two teams faced off on Sept. 28, Helena Capital snagged the game by a score of 3-1, but it wasn't an easy win for the Bruins. Heading into the second matchup, Bengals head coach Lindsey Day is drawing on the positives from that first matchup before they square off on Thursday.
"I like that in the film from the first crosstown, that we dug out of our slumps quickly, we had some moments of playing great and we've just got to keep those moments going and get that momentum," said Day. "Make those moments last a little bit longer and play with some consistency."
"We needed a lot of help of defense for back row attacks," senior outside hitter Sarah Fischer said of the first crosstown bout.
That critique is mainly based on how well Helena Capital is able to serve and hit from the back line with a force that causes a lot of trouble for other teams. During Tuesday's practice, the Bengals even brought out a serving machine that can rocket balls at them as a way to simulate what they'll see on Thursday.
As for the Bengals' plan of attack in their second meeting with Helena Capital, they know that in order to give themselves a chance, they have to keep it light and eliminate errors on their side of the court.
"I think we just have to not be in our heads, shake off our mistakes and play with a lot of momentum," said Fischer. "I think we play better when we're excited and just having a fun time."
"Focusing on the fundamentals, working on our team chemistry so we're all working together, and having fun on the court, too, and keeping our communication high," said junior middle blocker Elizabeth Heuiser.
Either way, the Bengals know they have their work cut out for them when they walk into the Bruins Den on Thursday. The varsity match is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m.
