Bulldogs battle in Spokane

SPOKANE — Led by the strong play of Grace Hicks and Jazmin Stockton, the Sandpoint volleyball team went 4-3 in matches to finish third in the Silver Division, and 35th among 62 teams at the Linda Sheridan Classic in Spokane over the weekend.

Hicks once again led the Bulldogs (10-15) in most categories, stuffing the stat sheet with 23 kills, 45 set assists, 21 digs, six aces and six blocks, while Stockton ripped 15 kills and six aces as the Bulldogs posted a handful of solid wins to gain valuable confidence.

The Bulldogs finished third in pool play, losing 25-14, 25-13 to Yakima, 25-14, 25-13 to East Valley, before beating the Gonzaga Prep JV in straight sets to earn a spot in the Silver bracket.

Grace Kirscher added 20 kills and three blocks, Jenny Slaveck 15 kills, Kaitlan Ward 38 digs, Shelby Kluver 17 kills and 18 digs and Marina Breuner 35 assists, 11 digs, six kills and four aces for the Bulldogs, who ended a losing streak with some solid play.

In bracket play, the Bulldogs beat North Central 25-14, 25-11, beat Lakeland 25-11, 25-22, and lost a close 28-26, 25-23 match to Ridgefield then beat St. Maries to round out the tourney.

“We’re getting better at finishing sets. Excellent passing and digging from Kaitlan and Lilly (Anderson),” said Bulldogs head coach Erin Roos. “Grace Hicks had a solid hitting and blocking day, other teams have a hard time defending her. Jaz played well the entire tournament, with highest hitting percentage, and Marina distributed the ball well.”

Sandpoint hosts Coeur d’Alene tonight at 7 p.m. at Les Rogers Court.