Lady Hawks serve it up

THOMPSON FALLS – The Lady Hawks Volleyball team started their first day of practice on Monday, August 19, discovering what their team is capable of.

Thompson Falls lost three seniors that helped carry the team to multiple victories – the seniors including Hope Reid, Allison Vaught and Kelsey Fitchett.

“We had a wonderful team. I’m going to miss the seniors of last year because those girls were wonderful to have,” said Head Coach Sandra Kazmierczak.

Although the team lost three seniors, this year the team will see multiple varsity players return. Erica Sorlie, Angela Padden, and Shasta Wilson will return to the varsity team, accompanied by junior Logan Beckman and sophomores Shey Hannum and Madison Fitchett.

The first practice kicked off on Monday, August 19 at 9 a.m. and will feature two-a-days until the start of school.

“We’re just starting today, and we’re really excited to be here today. We worked really hard for the first day,” said Coach Kazmierczak.

Kazmierczak said the team has a lot of room for improvement being a young team but believes the heart found within the team will make up for the lack of experience.

“I see it in their eyes. They are really loyal and dedicated to (volleyball). They are going to give everything they have,” said Coach Kazmierczak, adding on that the success of her team is defined by the drive and determination they possess as athletes.

“Right now they are excited,” said Coach Kazmierczak.

Losing Reid, Vaught and Fitchett lost the Lady Hawk volleyball team a lot in height, a number Kazmierczak hopes to make up in speed.

“Volleyball is a lot about height for blocking and hitting. It’s going to be a higher level, but the game is going to be there,” said Coach Kazmierczak.

Kazmierczak explained that height is a great quality to have, especially in a volleyball team but dynamic players will be strong at the net, regardless of height.

“We talked about it today and we are going to have to have the speed now with our defense. We will jump but we better have more speed. We’re going to focus on that right now,” said Coach Kazmierczak.

THOMPSON FALLS/From B1

With speed as one of the main goals for perfecting the game against the opponents, motivation is another major key that comes into play while playing the game.

Kazmierczak stated it is important to keep her team members focused and dedicated during practice so the real goal still remains close to their hearts.

As the seniors gave a word of advice to the younger players on the team, Wilson stated that everyone is fighting for the same goal.

“We all have the same dreams, let’s go get them,” said Wilson, explaining that although team members need to communicate about personal problems that are ongoing in one’s lives, the team is supposed to deal with those problems and check them at the door – continuing on to the mission of success once their feet hit the volleyball court.

The first challenge for the Lady Hawks will be at the Mission tournament on Saturday, August 31st. The tournament held in Mission will face the team off with major rival Plains, as well as Deer Lodge.

“I think Plains is always strong and they always bring some good kids to (the game),” said Kazmierczak.

Speaking of good kids, Hailey Phillips has joined the Plains volleyball team for the first year, an athlete that Kazmierczak said will bring a different dynamic to the game.

“She’s going to bring a different game to it because she’s just awesome to watch,” said coach Kazmierczak. “It’s always exciting to play Plains but we’ll go from there.”

The next game after the Mission tournament will be the first home game for the Lady Hawks against Florence on September 5.