Lady Cat's start September 3rd in Shelby

The Harlem Lady Cat Volleyball team has developed into a contender in recent years, having qualified for the Northern B Divisional in each of the previous two seasons. Those trips were the first in school history and Head Coach Kim Faulkinberry has high hopes for this years squad.

Harlem's roster includes girls from Turner as they are again co-oped for volleyball. Out for volleyball this fall are 21 girls featuring seniors Alaynee Hawley, Tia Kuntz, Brooke Reed, Brandy Calvert and Brianna Williams. Juniors on the roster include Laci Maloney, Vanise Little, Alexus Cochran, Taya Trottier and Chloe Messerly. Sophomores out this fall are Jessica King, Mylah Rider, MaLea Moore and Keonna Medicine Bear. New to the program are freshman Tova Anderson, Alaura Hawley, Paycee Leo, Hannah Richman, Kaitlyn Johnson, Emma Billmayer and Savannah Jones.

The Lady Cats return four letter winners with Hawley, Reed, Calvert and King bringing varsity experience to the roster. Graduation saw the departure of their All-State and All-Conference performers but this group is up for the challenge.

Getting back in the gym was a big relief for the players and Coach Faulkinberry likes what she sees so far, "Practice has been going great. The girls that have shown up from the start have been working extremely hard. They haven't complained once about how hot the gym is. In fact, they always want practice to go longer. They are so happy to have a bit of normalcy back in their lives, just as we are as coaches."

The team seems to be coming together and are all in with the programs direction and Faulkinberry has liked what she sees so far, "The thing that has impressed us the most is the positive attitude that each girl brings to practice. These days it is so hard to find positivity, but these girls sure have!!"

The loss to graduation has left some big shoes to fill but this group has been incredible, "So far the seniors are filling their role as leaders. Alaynee, Brooke, Brandy, and Tia are doing a great job of communicating and setting a great example for the younger girls. Juniors, Chloe, Vanise, Taya, and Alexus are gaining confidence in their leadership roles and sophomore, Jessica King, is also stepping up and emerging as a great leader on the floor," commented Faulkinberry.

Like most teams the Lady Cats have goals they want to meet this year and after their success the past few seasons the excitement level is high. "Short term goals are to take one match at a time. We will work on every aspect of the game but are looking forward to our first match to really see what we need to focus on. Long term, the girls want to make it back to the Northern B Divisional and take a shot at making it even further," stated Faulkinberry.

The start of the season has been great, but after weeks of practice in a hot gym the girls are ready to get the season started, "The kids are so ready for the season. They were so happy when we were finally given the green light to have open gym. They are craving normal and are willing to wear their masks and social distance to make sure we can have a complete season!! We, as coaches, love seeing the girls laugh while they are working hard," concluded Faulkinberry.

The Lady Cats compete in the District 2B which also includes the Malta M-ettes, Glasgow Scotties, Wolf Point Wolves and the Poplar Indians. The other half of the Northern B includes the Great Falls Central Mustangs, Shelby Coyotes, Conrad Cowgirls, Choteau Bulldogs, Cut Bank Wolves, Fairfield Eagles and the Rocky Boy Morning Stars.

The Lady Cats will begin the season on the road September 3 when they travel to Shelby to take on the Coyotes. Their home opener will be September 5 when they welcome the Cut Bank Wolves to town. The Lady Cats will recognize their seniors on September 12 when they host Rocky Boy.