Clark Fork sweeps Mullan

CLARK FORK — Huge service runs by Chelsea Macumber, Rayna Allen and Moranda Becker were crucial in each game as the Wampus Cats swept Mullan 25-12, 25-18 and 26-24 Wednesday to qualify for the district tournament on Saturday.

Allen had four kills, eight digs and five aces, Becker three kills, 18 digs and four aces, and Macumber three kills, 14 digs and four aces in the convincing win. The Cats will play Coeur d'Alene Charter in the opening round of the 1A District 1 volleyball tournament Saturday in Clark Fork.

"We had to adjust our game because of Fawn (Story); we started tipping and playing smart," said Allen, who believes her team has a legitimate shot at state. "No matter who's going to be there, we have the confidence that we can beat them."

Wallace (#1), Coeur d'Alene Charter (#2), Kootenai ( #4) and Clark Fork are the four teams battling for two state spots. The Cats have beaten every team except Wallace once, and barely lost a five-game thriller to them earlier in the season.

Meagan Hess added four kills and 19 digs, Bailey Hewitt 17 digs and five aces, and Shaina Gustafson seven digs and nine assists as Clark Fork is finally at full strength heading into the tournament.

Mullan's triple towers of Fawn Story, Misa Tumoua and Jade Ives — all taller that six-feet — forced Clark Fork to alter their strategy with some potent blocking. The young Tigers return every player next season. Story led her team with six kills and six blocks.

"We're so young, we'll be right there next year," said Mullan coach Dawn McKinnon, who believes Saturday's tournament is a wide open field. "Anyone's draw on Saturday. Wallace is high up there, but it's anyone's day."

Clark Fork's first game is at 11 a.m. on Saturday at the high school.\