Helena Arsenal U-12 Royal boys drop pair

The Arsenal U-12 boys traveled to Missoula last weekend to play two strong teams from Stevensville and Bozeman.

During both games, the midfield and defense fought off numerous attacks on goal, keeping the score to just 3 goals per game. Scoring for Helena against the Stevensville Sabres was Isaac Bostrom.

In the afternoon game against Bozeman Blitzz, the Helena boys began to gel as a team and played their most competitive soccer of the season. Scoring the lone goal for Helena was Clay Callihan with an assist from Atticus Proctor.

The Arsenal team was comprised of Cayman Beason, Zach Begler, Isaac Bostrom, Clay Callihan, Henry Garrett, Dylan Henry, John Hooks, Atticus Proctor, Nick Solheim and Cal Treadway.

Bruins softball players earn awards

Capital High held an awards banquet for the softball team this past Wednesday. Athletes were honored for their hard work and commitment during the season. The awards were voted on by team members. The following awards were given:

JV

MVP: Rian Bartsch and Miranda Pace

Offensive MVP: Brittany Hash and Jordan Johnston

Defensive MVP: Ashley Hicks

Most improved: Kaity Harrington

Most inspirational: Kendra Silverthorne

Bruin teammate: Cassie Baker

Varsity

MVP: Kelsi Brekke

Offensive MVP: Ashley Ames

Defensive MVP: Kelsi Brekke

Most improved: Devin McNellis

Most inspirational: Kelley Petrusha

Bruin teammate: Kelley Petrusha

Billings West volleyball star signs with Saints

Carroll College head volleyball coach Maureen Boyle announced that Caitlin Tocci has signed a national letter of intent and will join the Fighting Saints this fall.

Tocci, a 5-foot-7 setter, hails from Billings where she attended Billings West High School. As a senior Tocci was team captain and MVP, earning both first team All-Conference and All-State honors and helped her team advance to the AA state championship and finish the season with an overall record of 27-7.

"Caitlin is competitive and passionate," said Boyle. "She plays hard and has great leadership abilities on the court. Caitlin will be able to speed up our offense and she will make great contributions defensively."

Tocci graduates with the schools all time record for assists in a career (26,688), as well as finish fourth for career serving percentage, (97.5), fifth in career aces (160) and fifth in career digs, (706).

"I chose Carroll because I can continue to play volleyball for a very competitive program while receiving an outstanding education," said Tocci. "I am so grateful to have landed myself a position on a team with such determination and high standards. It is the perfect fit."

Tocci plans to continue her education at Carroll in Physical Therapy.

"Caitlin is a quality setter, quick defender, and knows how to win," added Boyle.

Local athletes compete at rodeo

Several area competitors performed well at the District 4 MHSRA rodeo in Butte over the weekend.

Helena's Tyler Erickson and Niki Baumann of Belgrade won best all-around cowboy and cowgirl awards Sunday. Erickson was a force in steer wrestling and team roping, taking four firsts over the weekend.

In steer wrestling, Erickson dumped his stock in 5.45 seconds to take that title. Helena's Cierra Kunesh took second place in the goat tying at 7.94 seconds and a second-place overall finish in the event.

East Helena's Nick Dinnocenzo tallied 64 points to win the bull riding Sunday. Abbileen Metcalf of Bozeman won pole bending by weaving in and out in 22.25 seconds. Jefferson City's Layne Wiebe was second at just over 23 seconds.

Bobcats hosting golf tournament

Montana State University athletics are back in Helena for the annual Helena Chapter of the Bobcat Club golf tournament and barbeque this Thursday.

MSU coaches attending will be football coach Rob Ash, women's basketball coach Tricia Binford, football assistant Noah Joseph, football assistant Jim Swoboda, athletic director Peter Fields and other MSU Athletic staff.

The event will be hosted by Green Meadow Country Club and food and beverages will be available. Registration is at 11:30 am, golf starts at 12:30 and the barbeque begins at 6:00 p.m.

For more information call Pam Birkeland at 439-8713.