One of the most impressive records in Montana high school sports came to an end over the weekend when Helena High defeated Billings Senior in volleyball in a hard-fought, five-set match. Billings Senior, the four-time defending Class AA champion, had won 66 straight matches. Helena rallied after losing the first two sets to win 23-25, 18-25, 25-20, 25-17, 15-12.
The last time the Broncs had lost previously was to Flathead in the 2006 state tournament. It was the longest streak in Class AA volleyball history. Even USA Today and other national publications thought the streak coming to an end was worthy of mention.
Senior is still the team to beat this year, despite the loss. A 66-match winning streak is remarkable in itself, but when it comes at the highest level of Montana’s high school system – Class AA – the accomplishment is that much more impressive. And many of the matches weren’t close. At last year’s state tournament, the Broncs only dropped one set.
Senior has won six out of the last eight Class AA titles.