The Chinook Sugarbeeter Volleyball team is back on the court getting ready for the start of the 2020 Volleyball season. Preparation for the season has been anything but normal yet the kids have put in the work and are willing to do whatever it takes to play.

The Sugarbeeters have had some great success through the years and this years squad is looking forward to another good year. Head Coach, Paula Molyneaux is back at the helm and has her team prepared to start the season.

This years squad has plenty of talent to set their sights on an a District 6C title run. Seniors looking to make the most of their final season include: Crystal Hofer, Delaney Kellam, Jayden Miller, Lily Surber, Ginger Hauer and Hailey Bell. This group has plenty of varsity and post season experience and will provide solid leadership.

Juniors looking to make some noise include, Allison Powell, Jade Cecrle, Tylie Richman, Shay Hauer and Kinley Hamilton. Sophomores include Bree Swanson, Torin Cecrle, Morgan Friede, Sarah Gillett, Sasha Gallus, Lexi Pitkanen, Aspyn Colby, Belle Elliot and Anna Terry. Freshman making their high school debut include, Hallie Neibauer, Mya Berreth, Teagan Richman, Britton Elliot, Jenna Liddle, Amanda Mord and Hadley Gustitis.

The Sugarbeeters return a very experienced and playoff tested group with the bulk of their roster returning. That depth of experience will certainly help the 'Beeter's out on the court this fall, "I have 9 returning letter winners from last season which is unusual. We have now grown into an experienced team and I think that will work to our advantage," stated Molyneaux.

As seems to be the theme among student athletes across the state, Molyneaux's girls are ready to play, "The willingness of the athletes to do 'whatever it takes' to have a season has impressed me."

With such a large senior class returning, Coach Molyneaux is comfortable with the leadership at the top, "As a whole the senior class is filling the leadership roles. Many of them have been a part of the varsity since they were sophomores. They are working to take ownership of this season, to educate their younger teammates in our traditions and philosophies and to be positive role models."

The season is not typical in anyway with the possibility of change coming any day but the 'Beeters are committed to their goals, "Currently, we are operating one day at a time. The biggest goal is to keep the team together and well. We will tackle our performance goals one week at a time," said Molyneaux.

Coach Molyneaux has her teams ready to go at the start of every season and this year is no different, "Although we have a lot of work to do, I like that skill and team development are going well. The kids are hungry to play at their best whenever they step onto the court," Molyneaux concluded.

Chinook will be at home this Thursday, September 3 against the North Star Knights. Next they will hit the road for a huge District 6C contest against the Fort Benton Longhorns

The Sugarbeeters are moving their Senior night celebration to Saturday, September 12 in an effort to ensure the seniors are recognized for their efforts and contributions to the program. They will host the Geraldine/Highwood Rivals in that contest. Recognition will take place following the conclusion of the junior varsity contest.

Home contest will follow against the Chester/Joplin-Inverness Hawks September 18, Malta September 25, Big Sandy October 1 (Homecoming), Hays/Lodge Pole October 6, Fort Benton October 10 and Box Elder October 24.

Road contest will be against Box Elder September 19, North Star September 24, Centerville September 26, Hays/Lodge Pole September 29, Malta October 3, Chester/Joplin-Inverness October 13 and Geraldine/Highwood October 23.

The District 6C Tournament will be held in Gildford, October 29-31. The top four teams will advance to the Northern C Divisional in Fort Benton, November 5-7. Two will advance to the Class C State Tournament in Bozeman on the campus of Montana State University, November 12-14.