Season in Review: Lofty expectations in Charlo

Picking up where they left off last season, Lady Vikings (19-4) almost ran the table on their regular schedule. They remained undefeated until a midseason clash against the District 7B Lady Blue Hawks of Thompson Falls blemished their otherwise pristine record.

When it came to conference level competition, the only effective means of slowing down the march of Lady Viking volleyball through their remaining schedule was the coronavirus pandemic. Contact tracing quarantine precautions shelved the Charlo team for two weeks and led to the cancelation of a pair of 13C nonconference contests along with two conference competitions.

Emerging from quarantine for their regular schedule finale, the Lady Vikings picked up where they left off with a win before capturing the District 14C crown.

In Western C Divisional action, Charlo hosted the entire series. After their opening round win advanced them to the semifinal, they had to battle back through the backwaters of the bracket after District 12C champion Manhattan Christian, and their formidable front of three 6-footers, saddled Charlo with their first loss against Class C competition.

The Lady Vikings won their consolation match over Hot Springs, then advanced to state with a challenge win over Lone Peak.

After an opening round loss, Charlo won its second State C match in the history of the program when they eliminated the Simms Lady Tigers.

The Lady Vikings graduate their multi-season all-state outside hitter Carlee Fryberger, along with their premier setter, Connor Fryberger. But the team returns a solid core that has benefitted now from repeated postseason experience.