Hawks finding their rhythm on the court

The Blue Hawk volleyball team got their first action on their home court last Thursday as they welcomed the Florence Falcons to Thompson Falls. Though the Hawks lost in three sets, Coach Sandra Kazmierczak is excited to see what the team accomplishes this season.

The Hawks opened the season the week before at the Choteau tournament. "They did great there," Kazmierczak said. "We took seventh out of 15 teams and they played really good volleyball there." Coach Kazmierczak said that last week they were making adjustments to positions and she adjusted the offense between the Florence game at home and Saturday's match in Loyola, putting Annalise Fairbank at setter. "Against Loyola, we went in with a different offense and that is working. They played well. We're still finding the right pieces and I think we got it," Kazmierczak added.

Against Florence, the Hawks fell 25-17, 25-10 and 25-15. Thompson Falls put up a great fight and engaged in some tough volleys with Florence. In the second set, the Hawks stayed within two points for much of the play until Florence got a 10-4 lead and kept the pressure on the home team. Gabi Hannum had one ace against Florence, Hannum and Fairbank each had one block, Fairbank led the team with five of the 14 kills and five of the nine set assists, and Addy Deal and Olivia Fitchett each had six digs.

At Loyola, Thompson Falls was able to keep the competition close, falling in three sets but all being close games for the two teams. The Breakers won 25-20, 25-20, 25-19. Hannum led the team with 12 kills, while Fitchett had seven digs, Fairbank 18 set assists, Addi Pardee three of the team's seven aces, and Deal, Hannum and Emma Claridge each chipped in two blocks.

Thompson Falls has just eight players on varsity, including seniors Fitchett and Sarah Koskela. "We're a small team, but I think it is a very talented group. They have the desire and they love what they do," Kazmierczak expressed. "I think we're going to do great things. They are resilient and they don't give up. When the competition rises, they are there."

The Hawks were set to host Mission on Tuesday, and will travel to Superior on Thursday.