Team effort propels Sandpoint past Coeur d'Alene

COEUR d’ALENE — Sam Buratto had 13 kills, Blake Plaster 23 digs and three aces and Ariel Moe 12 set assists to lead Sandpoint past the Vikings 25-23, 25-18, 25-19 in a nonleaguevolleyball match Tuesday night at Elmer Jordan Court.

While the solid play of the aforementioned three is somewhat expected from coach Karen Alsager, it was the contributions from sophomore Megan Rockwell and freshman Hannah Neuman that was key to the win. Neuman led the team with four aces, and Rockwell filled in at middle blocker for the injured Ashley Shepard as the pair made their first big varsity contributions.

“A total team effort, everybody stepped up tonight,” said Alsager, whose team bounced back well from a tough opening five set loss to Post Falls. “After the Post Falls flop, it was imperative that they play together as a team. They just had so much fun tonight.”

Ashley Hammons had 10 assists and three aces, Kayla McGlathery had five kills and four blocks and Amy Norris 17 assists for Coeur d’Alene (5-3).

Sandpoint hosts Moscow in an early season pivotal 4A IEL showdown on Thursday, at 7 p.m.