Pioneer spikers making strides

The Big Sandy Lady Pioneers have had their ups and downs in the early going this fall.

The Pioneer varsity finished in a fifth-place tie at the Cascade Invitational during the weekend after purple-and-gold squads at each level struggled Thursday against perennial league powerhouse Chinook.

In pool play Friday, the Pioneer varsity took the first set 21-20 against the hosts but fell 21-15 in the second set. They lost 21-15, 21-12 to cross-county rival Fort Benton before downing Centerville 21-20, 21-17. The Pioneers concluded the day with a 21-11, 12-21 split against the junior varsity for Class...