Bigfork High School’s volleyball team headed to Ronan over the weekend for their first three games that gave the young team a little more experience before starting the regular season.

Although the girls placed fourth in the four-team tournament, head coach Tracy Wicklund said many of the sets were close and the girls showed they can be a force in the district this year.

“Competing against nerves was the biggest factor in this tournament,” Wicklund said. “Our inexperience and inconsistent play was evident throughout.”

The Vals retain only three returning varsity players from last year’s roster, and many of the district teams are returning with a more stacked team than Bigfork. Tessa Robertson returns to the team as an All-Conference middle hitter and Alanis Stallknecht returns as an outside hitter.

Wicklund is confident that the team’s potential will come through by the district tournament, if not before.

“We are looked at as the underdogs in this very stacked and experienced district this year and we embrace that role,” Wicklund said. “With hard work and a determination, we will be able to upset some teams during the season, and certainly during the district tournament.”

The Vals first season match-up is against Ronan and Deer Lodge in Ronana on Saturday. They play their first home match on Thurs., Sept. 6 against Eureka at 4 p.m.