Sandpoint sweeps Lakeland in volleyball match

RATHDRUM — Katie Watson blasted 13 kills as the Bulldogs swept Lakeland 25-23, 25-19 and 25-18 Tuesday night in Rathdrum. Watson has emerged as one of the top outside hitters in the region, if not the state.

"She was on fire again," said coach Karen Alsager of her senior. "She's in a comfort zone. She's excited and happy, and she plays good when she's carefree."

The Bulldogs (12-4, 9-2) got contributions from freshmen Piper Wahlen, who added seven kills, and Katie Lunde, who had five kills in the third game alone. Savanna Lester had 16 digs and Koko James added 12 assists as the Bulldogs are rounding into a form that could make them contenders at state.

"We had pretty good flow, longer rallies and more control on the ball," said Alsager. "Better comfort zone in defense and transitioning."

After going 5-1 on the first day of the Borah Invitational last weekend, the Bulldogs beat Lewiston and then lost to defending 5A champion Idaho Falls in bracket play. They split the first two games with Idaho Falls before dropping the tiebreaker, showing they have the firepower to compete with the best in state.