Bulldogs volleyball team exacts revenge over Vikings

SANDPOINT - Incentive wasn't an issue for Sandpoint Tuesday night at Les Rogers Court, as the Bulldogs exacted revenge on their only loss of the year, downing Coeur d'Alene 13-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-21 to secure what will most likely be a shared IEL title for the two teams.

Piper Wahlin had a solid all-around game with 13 kills, 19 digs and six aces to lead the Bulldgos (12-1, 9-1 IEL), who might have been too pumped up in dropping the first game before settling into a nice rhythm.

"Determination," said head coach Karen Alsager of the key to avenging an earlier loss to the Vikings. "We were ready for these guys; almost overly-ready as we were too hyped up in the first game. I knew this one would go four."

Koko James had 23 set assists, Abby Helander 31 digs and Christina Johnson nine kills and five aces as jump serving continues to be the Bulldogs' biggest strength this year. Some lengthy service runs proved to be the difference in an otherwise evenly played match, which featured some long and entertaining points. Linnia Hawkins had what Alsager called her two best spikes of the year to seal the win in the fourth game.

"I still don't feel like we're firing on all cylinders yet," said Alsager, a scary thought for future Bulldog opponents. "We feel good about this victory, but we can do so much better."

Kama Griffitts had 11 kills, 13 digs and four blocks to lead the Vikings (18-2, 9-1 IEL), which would share the IEL title assuming neither team loses a remaining league contest. Natalie Stewart added 31 assists and five aces, Shelby Robb 16 digs and Faith Hazard four blocks in the loss.

Coeur d'Alene coach Carly Curtis said her team's passing and lack of control proved to be the difference in the second meeting of the league powers.

"When it's not a good pass, it's tough to run what you need to run," she explained. "We got off on our serving and serve receiving and that's the key to our success."

Sandpoint is at the Crossover Classic in Spokane this weekend, where they'll see some top notch competition from around the region.

n Gustafson leads Cats past Mullan

CLARK FORK - Shaina Gustafson had a whopping 12 service aces, leading the Wampus Cats to a25-16, 25-15, 25-12 win over Mullan Tuesday night in NSL volleyball action at Clark Fork.

Amy Gannon added three digs and Chelsea Macumber three kills to lead the Cats (5-4, 5-2 NSL).

"It was senior night and we had a lot of girls step in and do a good job," said Cats coach Carolyn Speelmon. "The girls played well."

Clark Fork is at Kootenai on Thursday.