In Ariel Putnam’s fourth season as Bigfork’s volleyball coach, the Valkyries reached a landmark: The 2022 State B tournament. It was their first state appearance in 17 years.

Year 8 could bring another milestone. After reaching the State A in 2024, the Vals want to return this month and stay a couple days at Bozeman’s Brick Breeden Fieldhouse. 

State is always the goal, but building confidence in tough situations became a renewed priority this fall. 

“Last year we had a very talented team, but every time we got into these very tough situations, we didn’t know how to handle them,” Putnam said. “We’ve really worked on it every day, putting ourselves in a tough situation in practice. We reward effort, and we’re OK with an error.” 

Bigfork’s junior-laden squad won 28 matches in 2025 before faltering at the Western A Divisional. Now senior-laden, the Vals went 11-1 in Northwest A play for a second straight season and are playing Corvallis to start this year’s divisional on Thursday.

“The last two years we’ve had a couple key players here and there that we’ve lost,” Putnam said. “But for three of my senior hitters, this is their third year on varsity.” 

Outside hitters Sofia Lowell, a junior, and Raegen Waller, a senior, never leave the rotation. Seniors Somer Campos and Lillie Suffia are the middle blockers. 

Junior Payton Despain is the Vals’ 6-foot setter; junior Kenley Wheeler plays libero. Seniors Olivia Carson and Emily Wisman are the defensive specialist and right-side hitter, respectively. 

The squad cruised until Butte’s Blocktober Tournament, finishing second in its pool before going 1-2 in bracket play with losses to Columbia Falls and Hamilton — a callback to 2025. 

“Last year we were in the same situation,” Putnam said. “We played really tough volleyball, and played well, but we lacked this confidence. They were playing a little behind the pace of play.” 

So the Valkyries had to re-regroup — and did, winning their next four matches without dropping a set. But there were tests. 

In a key match at Columbia Falls on Oct. 27, Bigfork trailed 25-24 in the first set and 24-22 in the third. The Vals won both 27-25, with a 25-17 win in between. 

“We’ve had the talent; what we’ve been working on is fostering an environment where the girls controlling their game,” Putnam said. “How are we handling the huddle; how are we using our breath and how are we holding our heads high for our teammates?” 

Campos had 10 digs at C-Falls; Lowell had eight. Campos hits a .334 percentage. 

Add it up and the Valkyries have a No. 1 seed going to the Western A. 

“I don’t have one girl that I don’t have full trust in get the job done,” she said. “I feel very fortunate. They’re very professional, they show up and they’re very serious about volleyball.”