Cowgirls Aim To Contend In League

A talented group of juniors are looked to lead the way for Culbertson’s volleyball program this season. Among the juniors are middle blocker Makena Hauge, setter Koree Marchwick, setter Kenadee Kempton, Alicyn Ator and Perla Burciaga.

Hauge earned second team All-Conference honors last season.

Morgan Lucas is the lone senior on the squad.

“They really have a lot of tenacity, which is great,” Culbertson coach Tiffany Nielsen said. “Most of them have played together since the third grade so they have a team-first mentality.”

Destiny Thompson, a sophomore, had a strong season as an outside hitter last year. Nielsen said that she might be moved to middle blocker this year.

“We lost both of our outside hitters from last year, so we need a couple of people who haven’t played outside to play there,” Nielsen said. “These girls have put in a lot during the off season.”

She said communication and movement will be stressed throughout the season. “We want to play with a purpose,” Nielsen said.

Plentywood is expected to be the team to beat in the district and division. Nielson also expects North Country and Froid/Lake to be contenders at the divisional level.

The season will begin with the eight-team Culbertson Invitational on Saturday, Aug. 28. The coach is expected for the tournament to see all the other area teams in action.

“It’s a good way to see what we need to work on,” Nielsen said.