CHARLO - The Charlo Lady Vikings were one game away from state

last season and return plenty of talents to make a run to get over

the hump.

CHARLO - The Charlo Lady Vikings were one game away from state last season and return plenty of talents to make a run to get over the hump.

"We will be replacing three seniors who leave with a lot of varsity experience, including Jaris Kelly and Stephanie Maughan who were all-conference players," head coach Bret Thompson said. "So we need to get a lot of minutes for a lot of the young players on this year's team."

Charlo has two starting juniors returning this season, Kinley Pope and Dawn Blevins.

If their volleyball season was any indication, they'll be monsters out on the court for the Lady Vikings. Both will be an integral part for the team after they helped lead the Charlo volleyball team to a district championship. Seniors Royelle Esterby and Jessica Foust will also provide leadership.

"We need to work hard everyday, stay healthy and stay focused on our goals," Thompson said.

The Lady Vikings finished 19-6 last season, and Thompson said that his team played hard down the stretch.

Hopefully Charlo will have that late season kick this year as well with such a talented conference.

Thompson is looking specifically at Hot Springs, who has beaten Charlo eight of the past nine times and Arlee, which returns a lot of starters this season.

"Charlo will be tough," Arlee head coach Richard Bachmeier said. "They have a good program and Bret has done a good job with them for years."

While they will be replacing some important parts, the Lady Vikings do have some girls looking to make the step up. Keep an eye on Charlo as they look towards the state tournament.