Year-in and year-out the Flathead and Glacier volleyball teams always seem to there — the state tournament.

This year will be no different.

The two Class AA powers should once again dominate the Western Division before moving on to another season finale to face the best from the Eastern Division.

Flathead has advanced to the state tournament in Bozeman six times in Leon Wilcox’s seven years as head coach.

The Bravettes qualified last year for a fifth-straight season. They were second in Western AA play, going 18-12 overall and 9-3 in conference games.

Flathead finished second at state in 2012 and placed third in 2007.

“It has carried us,” Wilcox said of the tradition from one year to the next.

“I’ve had some consistency. It’s been good.”

He says his program also stacks up against the best in the region.

“We have had success every year at the Crossover Tournament in Spokane,” he said.

“That (event) features some of the best teams in the Pacific Northwest. Our highest finish has been third or fourth. Last year we were in the top 16 out of 64 teams for the third year running. We’ve done a pretty job (over there).”

The Crossover Tournament this year is Oct. 4.

Glacier has been to state four-straight times with coach Christy Harkins and five times total. Last year the Wolfpack went 12-0 in league play. Glacier finished 23-5 overall and placed fourth at state.

Glacier finished third at state in 2010. This marks Glacier’s eighth season of high school sports.

“We have very high expectations for these girls,” Harkins said.

“We haven’t set any conference goals yet, but a good one would be for them to pick themselves to be there (conference champions).”

Flathead

Wilcox returns two starters — Jessica Simmons, a senior setter, and Lizzie Sherwood, a junior outside hitter. Last year was their first year of fulltime court duty. Both are 5-foot-8.

Simmons earned second team all-state and all-conference honors. Sherwood was an honorable mention all-state candidate.

He also has five players back who earned letters a year ago in Abbie O’Brien, junior, libero; Marissa Postovit, junior, outside hitter, 5-10; Tiana Johnson, sophomore, middle blocker, 6-0; Jourdon Schultz, junior, libero; and Xio Lopp, junior, setter, 5-10.

“We have a lot of kids who have varsity time who have lettered,” Wilcox said. “They did get experience, but they were not starters.

“We’re pretty heavy on juniors,” he continued.

“We have 12 on JV and varsity and only one senior. We’re young, but we also have a pretty fair amount of experience. I think we will be pretty competitive.”

Wilcox said passing and defense will be a team strength.

“Probably the best I’ve ever had at Flathead,” he said.

He says he has no areas of concern heading into the season opener today at home with C.M. Russell at 11 a.m. followed by Great Falls High.

“One thing we’re missing is the state tournament experience,” he said.

“We only have two kids who saw much court time there. Usually you have more than that. I am not concerned about their ability to play at the state level.”

He said the team made a lot of progress this summer.

“They are competitive, hard working and they all get along very well,” he said. “It’s a fun team. I’m looking forward to the season.

“I’m just looking for them to be competitive, consistently competitive,” he said of the first duals.

“I will use that as an opportunity to find our strengths and weaknesses. Mentally, I just want to see them mentally tough. They have the skill set, but mental toughness is where (matches) are won and lost.”

Wilcox has been a head coach for 18 years and has coached volleyball for 23. His overall record is 266-179. At Flathead he’s 105-78 overall, 53-31 in Western AA play.

Glacier

Harkins, in her 23rd season as a head volleyball coach, returns a wealth of talent and experience.

Hannah Liss, senior, setter, 5-5; Katie Wiley, senior, middle hitter, 6-1; Brielle Bumgarner, senior, middle hitter, 6-1; and Tessa Krueger, senior, outside hitter, 5-11, are returning starters.

Kayla Russell, senior, 5-5, and Shelbi Kusler, senior, 5-1, shared starting duties last year as back row specialists.

Also back are four letter winners: Hailee Bennett, junior, outside hitter, 5-7; Nikki Krueger, sophomore, middle hitter, 6-1; Ali Williams, junior, outside hitter, 5-11; and Abby Schrade, junior, setter, 5-8.

“I am very excited about this crew,” Harkins said. “They are fantastic people, great volleyball players with a great passion for the sport. They want to win, really want to win.”

Senior leadership, experience and hitting will be the team’s biggest strengths.

“I have a lot of concerns about our passing and defense,” she said.

“We spent the last 10 hours (in practices) on that — passing, passing and passing. They are tired of it so I gave them a half hour to play and they said — ‘Finally.’”

All the attention to those two phases of the game is paying off.

“We’re making improvement,” Harkins said.

“They really have. It will take a lot of work, but I think they can get there.”

The one thing Harkins is not worried about is the team being overconfident.

“I wish they would play with more confidence because of the success they have had,” she said. “I don’t think they will be overconfident. That’s not their personality. They are all very humble.”

Glacier opens the season today at home with nonconference outings with Great Falls High, 11 a.m., and C.M. Russell to follow.

“What I’ll look for (today) is working on our game speed,” Harkins said. “How well we can keep up with the tempo of the game. Passing will be key in the preseason.”

Class A

Libby Loggers

Head coach: Cindy Ostrem-Johnston (22nd season as head coach, 28 overall)

2013 record: 6-8 overall, 2-6 conference. The Loggers finished in a three-way tie for third in the final league standings.

Key Losses: Kelsey Klin, defensive specialist

Key Returners: Mahalah Wedel, senior, libero, 5-6; Hannah England, senior, setter, 5-3; Hailey Craig, senior, outside hitter, 5-8; Staci Regh, senior, middle hitter, 5-9; Hailley Moe, senior, right side hitter, 5-10; Devon Gallagher, senior, middle hitter, 5-8; and Dayln Germany, senior, outside hitter, 5-9.

Key Newcomers: NA

The skinny on the Loggers: Craig, who suffered a knee injury last September, is fully recovered. This marks England’s fourth season running the offense. She shared that role her freshman year, but has been in charge of the 5-1 ever since. “It’s a blessing (to have her back),” Ostrem-Johnston said. “She does a great job. She’s an excellent leader out on the floor, too.” Libby should be just as balanced attacking as last year. Ostrem-Johnston calls Wedel one of the best liberos in the state. “She’s a big part of that back row defense,” Ostrem-Johnston said. “She loves it back there. She owns the back row.”

Experience, coachability, positive attitude and a passion for the game are all team strengths.

Coach Ostrem-Johnston’s take: This is Libby’s last season in Class A. The school will compete in Class B starting with the 2015-16 school year. “We want to go out with a bang,” she said. The team also hosts divisionals Nov. 7-8. “The kids are excited about that.” Libby is hoping to advance to state. “We’ve been dry for four years,” she said. “It’s time.”

First Game: Nonconference match at Troy on Sept. 2nd.

Whitefish Bulldogs

Head coach: Sarah Scott (fourth season)

2013 record: 4-9 overall, 2-6 conference. Bulldogs finished in a three-way tie for third in the final league standings.

Key Losses: Bekah Weaver, setter/outside hitter; Marlow Schulz, middle hitter; and Brittany Barnes, libero. Weaver and Schulz were second team all-conference performers.

Key Returners: Myndi Holbrook, senior, middle hitter, 5-11; Rachael Seymour, senior, middle hitter, 5-10; Allie Schulz, junior, setter, 5-10; and Maura Kalbfleisch, senior, outside hitter, 5-7. All four lettered and were starters.

Key Newcomers: Kate Doorn, sophomore, right side hitter, 5-10; and Nina Thew, sophomore, outside hitter, 5-8.

The skinny on the Bulldogs: Scott said her returners — Holbrook, Seymour, Schulz and Kalbfleisch — “are coming back much stronger than they finished last year. That’s exciting.” She said the Bulldogs will be “stronger offensively than we have been in the last couple of years.” The varsity will feature some younger players, so one of the keys will be getting them comfortable with a faster pace. She said working on fundamentals and “doing the little things right” were stressed in the preseason.

Coach Scott’s take: “To make it to state. We went my first year (2011). Although three key players have graduated, “I’m excited about this year.”

First Game: Home versus nonconference foes Corvallis, the defending state champions, and Hamilton today.

Columbia Falls Wildkats

Head coach: Josie Brown (second season; sixth overall)

2013 record: 8-5 overall, 6-2 conference during regular season. Finished second in Northwestern A, won the divisional tournament and finished fourth at state.

Key Losses: Haley Belgarde, outside hitter, all-state, first team all-conference twice; and Tiffany Hummer, defensive specialist, all-conference honorable mention.

Key Returners: Ciera Finberg, senior, middle blocker, 5-9; Cydney Finberg, sophomore, setter, 6-0; Winter Kemppainen, senior, middle blocker, 5-11; Carla Nicosia, senior, outside hitter 5-9; Shaylene Fishel, junior, libero, 5-1; and Morgan Stenger, sophomore, middle blocker/right side, 6-1; were starters last year. Kemppainen was second team all-conference. Ciera Finberg and Fishel were honorable mention all-conference. Kiara Burlage, sophomore, outside hitter, 6-0, will be in the starting rotation this fall.

Key Newcomers: Katie Presnell, senior, right side, 5-9. She did not play last year.

The skinny on the Wildkats: The 2013 Northwestern A conference champs are loaded. Losing Hummer as a defensive specialist will hurt, so Brown is looking for a combined team effort to pick up the slack in that area. “We’ll have more girls playing all the way around the court than we did last year,” she said. Front row players will be a team strength with their hitting and blocking.

Coach Brown’s take: “I was really excited to have all the girls back,” she said. “I’m looking for them to set some achievable high goals and get back to state.”

First Game: Today at home with nonconference foes Corvallis, the defending state champions, and Hamilton.

Polson

Head coach: Jan Toth

2013 record: 5-8 overall, 2-6 conference. The Pirates finished in a three-way tie for third in the final league standings.

Key Losses: NA

Key Returners: Jaiden Toth, Haley Fyant, Taylor Davis, Libby Clay and Sarah Rausch.

Key Newcomers: Nichole Lake and Lydia Dupuis.

The skinny on the Pirates: Polson has a very strong defense returning, lead by senior all-state setter Jaiden Toth, libero Taylor Davis and defensive specialists Libby Clay and Sarah Rausch. “They are relentless and it will be very difficult for a team to find a hole on the court,” coach Toth said. The Pirates will be led by a powerful outside hitter in sophomore Haley Fyant along with senior Taylor Brackey and juniors Lydia Dupuis and Nichole Lake. Taylor Rost can play any of the hitting positions. “We have more depth in every position than ever before with seniors,” coach Toth said. Jaiden Toth is a strong athlete and leader. She has power and the quickness to make things happen.

Coach Toth’s take: “Our conference is tough, and again, it will be a fight in every match. We have our sights set on winning and showcasing our talents at state.” 

First Game: Northwestern A vs. Southwestern A Tipoff Tournament at Frenchtown Sept. 5-6.

Class B

Bigfork Valkyries

Head coach: Melody Strauss (second season)

2013 record: 13-12 overall; 5-3 in District 7B to finish second; won district tournament; placed four at regionals.

Key Losses: Tessa Robertson, middle hitter, Alanis Stallknecht, libero, and a summer knee injury to Josie Spoklie, a senior setter who was a two-year starter.

Key Returners: Marissa Hiza, senior, outside hitter, 5-7; Lana Berg, junior, middle hitter; 5-9; Abbie Fraley, sophomore, middle hitter; 5-10; and Kayla Casalegno, senior, defensive specialist, 5-2. Berg was first-team all-conference and Hiza second team.

Key Newcomers: Kalia Wicklund, sophomore, setter, 5-4; Julia Saunders, sophomore, defensive specialist, 5-4; and Miranda Campbell, junior, middle hitter, 6-2.

The skinny on the Valkyries: Losing Spoklie “was quite a surprise,” Strauss said. “Not only are we losing her talent on the court, but her leadership on the team.” Offense should be a team strength even though the Valkyries will rely on players who have recently moved up the varsity. A weakness will be defense. “We’re still pretty young, even though a couple of sophomores got to see court time last year,” Strauss said. “Our mental game and defense has a lot of room for improvement.”

Coach Strauss’ take: “I’m excited. I believe it will be a great season.”

First game: Class B Tipoff Tournament today at 9 a.m. at St. Ignatius

Eureka Lions

Head coach: Charli Chapman (second season)

2013 record: NA

Key Losses: None

Key Returners: Elliott Peterson, senior, middle hitter, 6-1; Evynn Anderson, senior, libero, 5-4; Amanda Peterson, junior, outside hitter, 5-8; and Courtney Lemer, junior, setter, 5-8. All started last year. Anderson and Elliott Peterson were both second all-conference.

Key Newcomers: None

The skinny on the Lions: Chapman will run with pretty much the same crew she had last year. “We were young, very inexperienced last year,” she said. “We didn’t have any girls who had varsity rotations under their belts.”

Coach Chapman’s take: “We will build on what we started last year. We’ll build on that momentum.”

First Game: Class B Tipoff Tournament today at 9 a.m. at St. Ignatius

Troy Trojans

Head coach: Mandy Love (first season)

2013 record: NA

Key Losses: NA

Key Returners: Taylor Brown, senior, setter, 5-6; Olivia Thomas, senior middle hitter, 5-9; and Allie Brown, sophomore, outside hitter, 5-6.

Key Newcomers: Aurora Becquart, freshman, middle hitter, 5-10; and Sami Rohrich, sophomore, outside/right side hitter, 5-9.

The skinny on the Trojans: Love said she has seen a lot of improvement day to day from her squad. Twenty-five girls turned out for the first practice, which was a big plus. “We still have a long ways to go,” she said.

“(Some of) my returners are in different positions than last year,” which has made for a slow transition in some spots according to Love. Ball control is an area that has received a lot of attention during preseason workouts.

Coach Love’s take: “They have a great attitude and they’ve been working hard,” she said. “They are a fun group of girls to work with for sure.”

First Game: Class B Tipoff Tournament today at 9 a.m. at St. Ignatius

MCAA

Stillwater Christian Cougars

Head coach: Diane Smith (third season)

2013 record: 23-4 overall. Won a fifth-straight state championship and a fifth-straight regular-season title.

Key Losses: Starter Brianna Schwartz, a middle hitter.

Key Returners: Starters are Sarah Paolini, senior, outside hitter, 5-10; Megha Tannehill, senior, outside hitter, 5-7; Courtney Beaver, senior, middle hitter/blocker, 5-10; Sophie George, senior, right side hitter, 5-6; Dorothy Smith, sophomore, setter, 5-7; and Adrianna Lambert, sophomore, libero, 5-2. Paolini, Smith, Tannehill, George and Lambert earned all-conference and all-state honors last year. Paolini was the all-state MVP.

Key Newcomers: Alisa Venman, junior, middle hitter, 5-7; and Anya Loomis, junior, defensive specialist, 5-3.

The skinny on the Cougars: Stillwater Christian is off to a strong start, winning the Great Falls Invitational last Saturday at Great Falls Central. The Cougars breezed through pool play undefeated and rolled through the championship bracket winning three times. They did not drop a set.

Paolini and Tannehill are a potent 1-2 attack at the net while George and Lambert anchor the back row with their passing. Senior leadership will be a strength.

The one concern — injuries. “We went to the tournament and one girl had a groin injury and another had a back injury,” Smith said. “When you are in a small school, it makes it difficult to bring up talent to that level (varsity).”

Coach Smith’s take: “I think we are going to have a good season and learn some new things. My goal is to just enjoy this group of seniors.”

Next Match: Sept. 4, a nonconference outing at Bigfork.