Wildfire look unified in Siroky's third season

The Saco Hinsdale Wildfire has a new look this year after losing Whitney Molina, Chadaya Christiansen, Shyla Gairrett and Bethany Lacock to graduation.

Those four seniors helped the team to finish 12-3 last season and would've been a challenger for the C state title, if it weren't for unexpected losses to Bainville and Scobey in last year's Eastern C Divisional tournament in Scobey.

The team had a tremendously good season, going 20-1, giving them a first round bye in the divisional tournament. The group lost their rhythm, however, and failed to place.

With all that being said, the team still has plenty of talent returning with senior Courtney Capedeville leading the pack.

Capdeville had an impressive season last year, though her performance was overshadowed by the hard hitting of Molina, Lacock and Christiansen.

She is 5'8" and her kills will look awful painful for members of opposing teams.

The senior class is three strong with returners Capdeville, Hanna Whitaker and Madison Taylor.

"Hanna and Courtney have really come on in the last couple of months," said Wildfire Head Coach Kathy Siroky. "They've both been working hard this offseason."

She went on to say they have had a great year in the last couple of years and she expects them to step up and lead a relatively young team.

Delaney Beil will be the team's setter and possibly the only setter on the team.

Coach Siroky admitted Beil has been working the hardest.

"All of them have been working hard, but she's the one that's been to every open gym," Coach Siroky said. "We've done core workouts, we've done jump workouts and she's really been there and been a leader."

The team has open gyms throughout the year and have been active in the weight room.

Junior Payton Chopper, sophomore Alana Malmend and freshman Jada Sudbrack also showed some excellent spiking skills at a recent practice.

Chopper is the team's libero, or defensive specialist, who is often referred to by Coach Siroky as the "vacuum."

"She picks up everything anywhere," she said. "She's always that go-to person and a really good server."

Siroky also mentioned how hard Malmend has been working in the offseason.

Coach Siroky hopes she will contribute a lot this year.

Sudbrack leads an impressive freshman team that boasts three athletes over 5'10", including Mickayla Johnson who is 6'0".

"Mickayla has really improved over the years," said Coach Siroky, who has watched her play in junior high volleyball. "She had gotten her timing down and is moving well."

She admitted with her team being so young, the freshman will see a significant amount of time which will help in their development.

"With 11 athletes and most of them in that freshman class, they're all going to have to play," said Siroky.

Siroky is encouraged in her third year of coaching the team.

"I've had these girls for three years and they know how I think, they think ahead and they are helpful," said Coach Siroky.

This year the team will have an even number of games in Saco and Hinsdale, giving fans from both sides an equal chance to see the teams. It's the same for practices.

Coach Siroky knows the team appreciates the 13 mile distance between the two co-op schools, knowing that the travel times take less than 15 minutes.

"Anytime you can get home early and get your homework done and other stuff, it's a benefit," she said.

She noted that the drives back and forth give her a chance to connect with her team.

Siroky said she is most excited about games against Bainville and Scobey.

"They're going to be tough," she said. "They didn't lose anyone."

She went on to say she has been looking forward to the season and any game that comes their way.

Date Opponent Site Time

Aug. 18 First Practice

Aug. 30 Malta Tourn. Malta TBA

Sept. 4 Lustre Christian Lustre 6:00

Sept. 5 Opheim Saco TBA

Sept. 11 Poplar Poplar 5:00

Sept. 12 Nashua Hinsdale TBA

Sept. 19 Brockton Hinsdale TBA

Sept. 20 Fairview Fairview TBA

Sept. 25 Malta JV Saco 5:00

Sept. 26 Opheim Opheim TBA

Sept. 27 Harlem Saco 5:00

Oct. 2 Poplar Hinsdale TBA

Oct. 3 Scobey Scobey TBA

Oct. 4 Scobey Tourn. Scobey TBA

Oct. 9 Lustre Christian Hinsdale 6:00

Oct. 10 Nashua Nashua TBA

Oct. 13 Malta JV Malta 5:00

Oct. 24 Scobey Saco TBA

Oct. 25 Brockton Brockton 6:00

Oct. 31-Nov. 1 District 3-C Tournament @ Saco

Nov. 6-8 Eastern C Divisional @ Glasgow

Nov. 13-15 State C Tournament @ Bozeman