Coming off back-to-back undefeated conference seasons, Glacier volleyball isn’t used to being the underdog.

But that’s exactly what the Wolfpack (8-7, 1-5 Western AA) will be tonight when they host their league-leading crosstown rivals from Flathead at 7 p.m.

“I would be lying if I said (this season) wasn’t a big challenge,” Glacier head coach Christy Harkins said. “It’s been a big challenge for me, my coaches and the girls, but we learn something every night that we play.”

Across town, it’s been a dream first season at the helm for Courtney Baker, whose Bravettes (8-2, 6-1) avenged their only conference loss of the season with a five-set win over Missoula Sentinel on Tuesday and sit primed for one of two byes into the state tournament.

“I’m blessed to be able to coach these girls,” Baker said of her team. “These girls love volleyball, know volleyball and are playing really well. They are a super special group of human beings.”

Fortunes, however, can change in a hurry. Especially when rivals get together.

“It’s crosstown and anything can happen,” Baker said. “Glacier’s team is tough. They’re well coached and if they’re all clicking together they can be a scary team.”

The Wolfpack graduated seven seniors after last year, and inconsistency has been Glacier’s downfall thus far in 2015

“It’s been a little something different every night,” Harkins said. “It’s been a different kid that steps up and then the next match struggles. We’re kind of at a loss, but I’ve got some great kids that come in and are working hard to improve.”

In their first meeting on September 22, Flathead piled up 20.5 blocks to smother Glacier’s attack in a four-set win. The Bravettes front line has been their strength, including in Tuesday’s win over Sentinel when they out-blocked the Spartans 22-5.5.

“Blocking is something the girls are taking a lot of pride in,” Baker said. “We shut down Sentinel with our block, we shut down Glacier, too, and we can do it again if we come out confident.”

Tania Johnson and Alyssa Wisher each had seven blocks in the first crosstown match. For the Wolfpack, there is no secret for beating the Flathead block.

“We just have to make smart choices instead of hitting straight into the block,” Harkins said. “They have great blockers. They’re big, we just have to be smarter.”

More than a month remains in the season for both schools, with each eying the state tournament finals November 12-14 in Bozeman.

For the Wolfpack, a win tonight could be a springboard for their stretch run.

“At this point, any win is a reward for some hard work and effort,” Harkins said. “It would be a confidence boost, especially against a very strong team like Flathead.”