While the Flathead Bravettes did go 7-19 last season, they also played a large batch of athletes that are back this fall — and in sixth-year coach Emily Russell’s mind that bodes well.

“We have five seniors and one junior back,” Russell, who guided the Bravettes to State in 2021, said this week. “We definitely have the personnel to take us deep into the postseason. We’re going to be competitive for sure in the conference and make a good run at it.” 

The Bravettes went 6-8 in Western AA action with junior Anna Bain triggering the offense at setter. She was honorable mention all-league and will be one of two setters Flathead employs in its 6-2 offense; the other is sophomore Cheyenne Heino. 

The seniors are defensive specialists Kathleen Manning and Emy O’Dell, middle blockers Bristol Lenz and Olivia Neva and outside hitter Addison Thornsberry. Manning was among the top players in Class AA for digs.  

“This year we have quite a few hitter options so we’re going to give the 6-2 a try,” Russell said. “(Lenz) is a tough middle blocker, tough going side to side getting blocks and kills. She’s been working on her serve a lot and bringing that into her game, too. 

“Both Addison and Katie will be great leaders for us. Katie will be a leader in the back row and Addison will lead up front. They’ve been working hard this summer in the weight room and that will help as well.” 

Three more sophomores —  Mackenna Aldrich, Reilly Judd and Reagan Castillo —  should see action for the Bravettes, who open their season with a home match with Bozeman High at 4 p.m. Friday. The Hawks were State AA runners up in 2024. 

On Saturday they play host to Great Falls High at 12:30 p.m. and Great Falls Russell at 4:30.