A huge turnout has spirits soaring as the Lady Hawks of Thompson Falls get set to open another Montana high school volleyball season amid the potential for a very good year.

At least 23 girls reported for practice, including one of the best volleyball players in Northwest Montana in the form of Avery Burgess, who transferred from Noxon this summer.

The addition of the hard-hitting junior Burgess is a big boost to an already experienced, senior-laden team.

Gone from last year are two members off a playoff team last year that had a very successful regular season before being eliminated by Choteau in the playoff’s second round.

Graduated seniors Jody Detlaff, who is now at Montana Tech participating in track and field, and Riley Wilson are gone, but the cupboard is far from bare for veteran coach Sandra Kazmierczak, who has been coaching volleyball for 31 years.

“We lost Jody and Riley but we are heavy in the senior class this year,” Kazmierczak said. “We have good height, depth and experience going into this year.”

Among the returning seniors are standouts Scarlett Schwindt, Ellie Pardee, Arianna Wood, Abbigayle Lane and Danni Van Huss. Their experience in the regular season and playoffs could be vital for a deep run in the tournament.

They are also expecting big things from junior Cheyla Irvine as they prepare for season opening play this Thursday through Saturday at the always tough Choteau Invitational.

They return to action Aug. 31 with a road game in Florence before returning for their home opener when they host Loyola on Sept. 2.

“We are hoping that experience will enhance our communication abilities,” coach “Kaz” said. “Its encouraging to see how well the newcomers have been welcomed to the team”.

The veteran coach said she is particularly pleased with the “mental toughness” displayed by her senior-led team.

“We teach mental toughness,” she said. “We talk a lot about how everyone can play, about how you can do what you put your mind to.”

Those qualities, Kazmierczak said, are often prevalent in small towns.

As far as the strength of the opponents she will face goes, the coach and her players hesitate to point to anyone as the team to beat.

“Everyone can play,” she said. “There are some very good teams in this conference and you have to be ready to play hard every night.”