Clark Fork Serves Up Plenty Of Volleyball Success Season Already Includes Snapping Piest River’s 12-Match Win Streak

Fast and action filled best describes the Clark Fork volleyball season.

“This is the first time in years we’ve ever canceled practice,” apologized 14th-year Wampus Cats coach Sandy Ross. “I’m tired.”

But it’s a happy fatigue, considering Clark Fork went “giant slaying” last week.

The Wampus Cats rallied past defending defending State A-3 champ Wallace, and snapped A-2 Priest River’s 12-match win streak en route to a 4-0 record in the Spartans tournament.

Earlier this week, Clark Fork improved its North Star League record to 4-1 with a road win over scrappy Mullan. The Spartans battled to a 15-11, 8-15, 15-12, 15-12 win over the Wampus Cats (10-4) on Thursday night.

“We enjoy (Priest River’s) style of volleyball,” Ross said. “We like it when we hit hard. We like going up against a block. We like the strategy of trying to find a hole.”

Senior Hailey Scofield is the Wampus Cats’ playmaker.

The 5-foot-6 outside hitter is a two-time all-NSL selection whose defensive tenacity may be even more valuable than her offensive skills.

“The best defensive player in North Idaho? I would certainly give her a nomination,” Ross said. “She is so quick. She’s learned tremendous anticipation skills. She has natural aggressiveness. She has excellent concentration skills when she plays defense.”

The NSL is merely Scofield’s volleyball playground.

It is a tough comparison to Scofield’s role as a defensive specialist and setter the past three years for the Inland Empire club team.

“It is a job,” the 17-year-old said of club volleyball. “Everybody is good.

“Here, you’re the standout … ‘Hailey Scofield of Clark Fork,’ ” she said as her voice trailed off. “You get there, you’re just another player. When I first got on (the club) team, I didn’t like the fact of sitting on the bench.”

Scofield trains 11 months a year with the club team, which practices three to four nights a week in Coeur d’Alene, a 150-miles roundtrip.

“I do my homework on the way down,” explained Scofield, whose grade-point average is 3.1. “I have a little flashlight, that takes care of it. Parents drive.”

Volleyball became an outlet for Scofield’s excessive energy starting in the seventh grade. She hopes to play in college.

“I use to have a lot of doubts about (year round) volleyball,” she said. “I didn’t know if I wanted to make the commitment. It takes everything. It’s not cheap.”

This past summer, Inland Empire played in the open division at the AAU national tournament in Orlando, Fla. A possible spring break European trip is in the works.

“It’s like college (caliber),” Scofield explained. “If they only knew what kind of ability we have in the volleyball world, they would be very surprised. I don’t think some of them even know.”

Scofield’s own self-motivation rubs off on the Wampus Cats. “Thank the Lord he gave me patience,” she said with a smile. “Sometimes, I have a problem really wanting to win.

“Sometimes, I get upset, but most of the time I try to get my team up … try to make sure they don’t get down on themselves.”

Some younger Wampus Cats have sought help from Scofield, who is a volunteer junior high coach.

“Hailey is my boredom indicator,” Ross added. “If I look at her and know she’s not involved, I know it’s time to change drills.”

Scofield sets during Clark Fork practices, but is most effective swinging at the ball, passing and her serve receive is near perfect.

“She’s got a nice, snappy jump that she uses well,” Ross said. “This season her best improvement has been serving. She’s got a variety of serves. She gets in a groove. She knows a lot about serving.”

“I like to serve,” Scofield nodded. “I like to pick on people. I look at their face. If they look distressed, I try to serve to them.”

And, Scofield’s serve usually works, especially on match point.