The Thompson Falls ladies’ volleyball team isn’t going to let a short roster stop them from having another great season.

Coach Sandra Kazmierczak, who has been coaching with Thompson Falls for 19 years and the Hawks’ varsity team for six, said that they have 20 players this season. In 2007, the team started their year with 29 girls.

“We have a lot of talent,” Kazmierczak said. “My varsity team is going to be a small one, but there’s a lot of potential.”

In 2007, the Hawks went 17-6 overall and captured the district title.

So far, the girls have been focussing on fundamentals and conditioning in a hard week of practice. Kazmierczak said the team may be short on players but it’s strong when it comes to agility.

“We have a lot of quickness,” she said. She added that the team chemistry will also help the volleyball players when they get to the floor. “They get along well. They’ve been playing with each other in other sports, and they’re a good group of kids.”

The Thompson Falls opens at home against Deer Lodge, a strong program with a coach who has been there for 20 years. The two teams play Saturday, Aug. 30 at 3 p.m.

One of the challenges the young hawks’ team faces is their height. The Hawks lost two of their towering middle players, which may make things a little difficult when it comes to playing up against the nets. Kazmierczak said she thinks the players can overcome the difference with practice.

“It doesn’t matter how tall you are as long you get the timing right,” she explained.