Sandpoint sweeps volleyball tri-match

RATHDRUM — Sandpoint swept Kellogg and Timberlake in a Tri Match Monday Afternoon at Timberlake High School.

In the first game they played a hard-fought, tight five-game match with Kellogg, winning 20-25, 25-23, 25-27, 25-16 and 16-14. Senior Jackie Palaniuk was clutch in the deciding game, single-handedly finishing off the Wildcats with a kill and two aces for final three points of the taut match.

"She was a huge factor for us in the fifth game," said coach Karen Alsager.

The second game was a little less dramatic, with the Bulldogs handling Timberlake 25-16, 25-20 and 25-19. Alsager said it was a nice chance for her to play some different players and lineups.

Katie Watson led the Bulldogs (6-3) with 17 kills in the doubleheader, followed by Lydia Tollbom with 15 and Piper Wahlen with 13. Savanna Lester totaled 51 digs and Abby Helander followed with 29. Kaitlyn Lunde led the team with six blocks and Palaniuk with six service aces.

"We're still learning and improving every time we play. Between now and state we'll learn a lot, which is good," said Alsager, whose team has a big game Thursday at Coeur d'Alene, where she says they seem to play better on the road. "We've added some different things into our offense since we played them. We're blocking better and changed some players around."

? Clark Fork beats Noxon in five

CLARK FORK — Their big three of Rayna Allen, Megan Hess and Bailey Hewitt carried the Wampus Cats (5-3) to a big 25-22, 24-26, 25-21, 25-18 and 16-14 win over Noxon on Saturday.

Hewitt had seven blocks, six kills, 16 digs and three aces as she moved to the middle for more block opportunities.

"Baily was right on with her blocks," said coach Lisa Allen. "It's all about her timing."

Allen had seven kills, eight digs and three aces, and Hess tallied three kills, 11 digs and four aces, and her serving run in the fifth game was the key to the win, only Noxon's second loss of the season.

"Megan came in and had seven serves in a row and saved us," said Allen, whose team was in danger of losing the match.

Shaina Gustafson had five aces to go with her team-high 14 assists, and Moranda Becker had six digs and three aces. Allen called the win a true team effort.

The Cats travel to Lakeside today for a NSL showdown.