If one night of volleyball predicts an entire season, Banner County’s fans will see streaks, collapse, recoveries and some very exciting play.

In last Thursday’s triangular against potent Creek Valley and an admittedly weaker Minatare, the Wildcats revealed themselves as an emotional team. Against the Storm, they opened sloppily, falling behind 6-2 in the early going as Creek Valley’s Krysta Applegate and Shania Brown directed a consistent attack through well-placed sets.

“If we’re passing well, we can run our offense,” said Storm head coach Roger Behrends of his young but strong squad.

But Banner County battled back. And when Jessica Bruce drove toward the net then popped a long dying quail to empty space on Creek Valley’s back line, the Wildcats found themselves in the lead, 17-16.

“We need to play aggressively and play to win,” said head coach Angie Hilbert.

For the next several minutes her team did just that, holding the Storm until the score reached 20-18.

Then came a moment of confusion. An easy Creek Valley return dropped between a circle of Wildcats. The game shifted suddenly, the visitors running away with a 25-22 win.

“Once in rhythm, we do well,” Hilbert explained. “We we get knocked out of rhythm, we get conservative.”

Creek Valley took advantage of this emotional swing early in the second, with Brown, Applegate and Summer Mueller picking Banner County’s defense apart on the way to a 20-15 lead.

Then a fierce, minute long volley ensued. Although they dropped the point, Bruce, Brooke Wyatt, Kodee Muhr and company drew fire from the exchange. The ‘Cats began playing as a team, feeding Bruce a set she smacked through Storm defenders for a 22-21 lead.

But it was a momentary thing. Creek Valley rallied for a narrow 26-24 victory.

Against Minatare, the home side began showing consistency. Holding on to a 15-13 lead midway through the first, Muhr put together a service streak that included one ace and extended the ‘Cats lead to 21-13.

“Our serving was better,” Hilbert said. “Kodee did a great job, serving and on defense, and Brooke did a great job all night.”

They cruised to a 25-15 win behind the the strong net play of Wyatt and Bruce, as well as a growing sense of teamwork between Jenny Garcia and newcomer Dalle Rutledge.

The finale showcased Miranda Furrey’s talents. Her service led Banner County to a 7-1 advantage. She earned a point on the attack when she prepared to set, twisting deftly at the last second to loft the ball over the net and into a space left empty when Minatare reacted to her decoy.

After a brief Minatare rally and a stretch where the teams traded points, Wyatt took control of the net, dropping the visitors 25-17.

“It’s a win--we’ll take it,” Hilbert acknowledged.