Despite losing seven seniors off last year’s team, the Fairview volleyball team looks to feature a solid group of returners along with a mix of newcomers. The Warriors hope to defend last year’s District 1-C title.

“Everything has been going very well so far,” new head coach Katrina Werner said. Werner returns after coaching the Warriors in 2007. “It’s been a bit of change for everyone involved. The girls have had to learn some new things, but they’ve had good attitudes and have worked really hard the entire time.”

While Fairview has a fairly young squad, four seniors in Morgan Klose, Alyson Cayko, Dennell Benson and Lindsee Kjos will provide leadership. Klose is a returning All-Conference performer while Cayko saw some varsity time last season. Juniors Jordan Gifford and Tiffany Kittleson along with sophomore Masyn Klose played on varsity last year. Gifford was an All-Conference player last year. Kittleson, a setter, is a strong server while Masyn Klose has strength at the net.

“We have a real nice group of players to work around,” Werner said. “We’re very athletic. While the roster may not have any real tall girls, there are a number of players that can hit the ball hard and are very quick.”

A number of the team’s players were on last year’s state championship basketball team.

“I am looking to see that drive they showed in basketball and translate on the volleyball court,” Werner said. “They are a very competitive group of girls, and that’s something you love to see as a coach.”

District 1-C has been expanded as Scobey, Saco-Hinsdale, Nashua, Brockton and Frazer have joined this season.

“It’s exciting that there will be some new competition,” Werner said. “Each team will play each other just once so it makes every game that important.”

Fairview kicked off its season with a second-place finish at the Colstrip Invitational tournament. After going 2-4 in pool play, the Warriors defeated Colstrip 25-22 and 25-20 in the opening round. Fairview beat Baker 25-22 and 25-8 in the semi-finals. In the championship game, they fell to Red Lodge 25-12 and 25-21.

Morgan Klose led Fairview with 43 kills while adding two blocks on the weekend. Kittleson had a team-high four aces and 40 assists. Jordan Gifford added three blocks and 29 digs. Cayko had 27 digs on the weekend.

“I was really happy with how the tourney went,” Werner said. “We started out slow in pool play but really came on. It was great start to the season.”

Fairview plays next against Frazer Friday in Sidney at 6 p.m. The Warriors face off against R&L in Lambert Saturday.