Adapting To Change: Scottie Volleyball Kicks Off Unusual Season

Last season, the Scottie volleyball team saw much success. They ended their season with an impressive 18-3 record, punched their ticket to State, the first time in nine years, were crowned District 2B champions and achieved second place at the Class B Northern Divisional Tournament. At the beginning of the season last year, coach Somer Hoerster told the Courier the goal is to always get to the State championship and bring home hardware. This year's goal, however, is a little different.

"At this point, with all of the unknown and turmoil of the last six months with COVID, I just want to get these kids back in the gym to play a game and get to be kids. I just really want them to have some fun and hopefully have a chance to make some memories. If we get to play our full season, then of course our goals will move and change and advance as the season goes on, but for right now, it's just my hope to bring some normalcy back to these kids and see some smiles," explained Hoerster.

After graduating five seniors last year, three seniors are returning this season with two of them having varsity experience. Also returning is a solid core group of juniors and a few sophomores.

"As a staff, we are expecting some of them to step up and take on larger roles and lead the team. Many of them were at open gyms so as of right now, we are working to come up with our teams and what everyone's role is going to be, but that doesn't mean that stellar growth couldn't lead to girls moving up. We also have to keep things fluid because we need to have a plan in case of injury or illness as well, so we can expect to see quite a few kids suit up for more than one squad and honestly, that's good for them. Getting match play is the best learning they can get so we will push them all pretty hard to get as much game play experiences as they can," explained Hoerster.

The Lady Scotties kicked off their season with their annual Red/White scrimmage game on Aug. 22, allowing the team to put together everything they have been working on since practice started on Aug. 14. Missing from this year's game however were the parents, fans and support system that typically sit in the bleachers, instead watching from the comfort of their own home through the NFHS Network. This year's game was closed to the public as plans continue to be finalized regarding the logistics of spectators to ensure proper social distancing during each home game.

Another change to this year's season is the schedule. The Scotties will see themselves play against Fairfield on Friday, Aug. 28, and Shelby on Saturday, Aug. 29, which is a change from previous years. In the past, opening weekend of the season saw the Scotties participate in the Choteau tournament, providing the chance for the team to play western district teams before divisionals as well as play teams they wouldn't normally play. "It's always a great team bonding experience also for the varsity every year being housed and having to bunk up together, so that's really too bad and I am sad for the seniors that can't cap their career by going to that again," stated Hoerster.

Another change to the schedule is the elimination of the Chinook and Dickinson tournaments. "The biggest things about these tourneys also is that we are coming off of a fabulous 2019 season, where we finished top five at Choteau, won Chinook and made it to the Gold bracket in Dickinson, which this team has never done before, so of course this group was hungry to have a chance to repeat that again," explained Hoerster.

However, more single competitive opponent matches have been added, including match-ups against Glendive, Plentywood and Fairview. "Glendive and Plentywood went to State in their class last year, so we expect some great competition from them," said Hoerster.

The players will also see changes in their match-ups, as the captains meeting prior to the start of the match and the changing of sides after games have been eliminated. The girls also won't be allowed to sit next to each other on the bench and anyone not playing has to wear a mask. Fans will also see changes as bleachers will be designated for home and away fans.

"As coaches we are always on these kids to communicate and act like a group and do things together and [these changes] eliminates some of the things that we do to create a positive energy on the floor. We hope to come up with new ways to celebrate and communicate as best we can through these changes," said Hoerster.

No matter what the remainder of the season brings, Hoerster and the rest of the coaching staff are looking forward to having fun, making memories, continuing to build skills and adapting with whatever comes their way.

The Scotties are scheduled to play against Fairfield on Aug. 28, with game action starting at 4 p.m., and Saturday, Aug. 29, with game action starting at 1 p.m. Their first home game is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 3, against Wolf Point with C squad starting at 4 p.m.