Kats volleyball aiming high in 2018

Head coach Jolandie Brooks has high hopes for the Columbia Falls volleyball team this year as the squad looks to build on its Northwest A title from a season ago.

After defeating Libby in the Northwest A title game, the Wildkats just missed a trip to state after going 1-2 at the Western A Divisional Tournament, but Brooks is hoping to take the team one step further in 2018.

“Our team goal this season is to get to state, and then, while at state, put it all out there and see what happens,” Brooks said. “Our goal is to show up for every game and be fierce competitors. We really want to set a new tone for our team this year. A more dedicated tone; more focused -- my goal is to work my girls past what they think they’re mentally and physically capable of.”

After losing only one senior from last year’s squad, the Wildkats should be loaded with talent in 2018. All-State selection Ryley Kehr returns for her senior season and will look to lead the team with her ability to block and score.

All-Conference setter Hannah Schweikert should also play a big role in her sophomore season.

“She’s (Schweikert) smart on and off the court and she is a fierce competitor,” Brooks said. “We rely on her like a football team does on their quarterback. She is in charge of the front row and our offense.”

Junior libero Angellica Street will be in charge of the back row and defense and sophomore Madysen Hoerner and junior Stella Bistodeau are expected to play large roles on the offensive side of the ball.

Brooks says she expects middle blocker Kiera Brown to lead the conference in blocks this season as a junior.

“She (Brown) has big hands and she finds the ball with them and is very important at the net,” Brooks said. “She’s tall and is really working on gaining strength and speed behind her hits.”

Senior defensive specialist Savvy Ellis should play a key role as a server for the team this season.

The Wildkats open the season in Browning Friday and Saturday as they play at the Tipoff Tournament before hosting their first home game Monday against Browning.

The team will play again Friday, August 27 as the Kats travel to take on Libby.

All matchups begin with freshmen at 4:15 p.m.