Bulldogs dominate All-League volleyball team

SANDPOINT — Piper Wahlin, Koko James and Abby Helander comprised half of the All-Inland Empire League Volleyball 1st Team, which was announced on Monday. Brooke DeMers was named to the second team.

James, Wahlin and Helander will join Kaiti Lunde, Christina Johnson and Linnia Hawkins next season to make up a talented and experienced core of returning players, boding well for future All-League honors.

Head coach Karen Alsager on Wahlin: "Our kill leader with more than 300 on the season. Threatening power for other teams; a momentum builder for us."

Alsager on James: "Our biggest blocking threat. Consistent setting and had our highest kill percentage. Provided an opposite threat from the right side."

Alsager on Helander: "Ball control for us, protected the short court so teams couldn't tip against us. Her top-spin jump serves built momentum."

Alsager on DeMers: "Provided captain qualities that we needed with a young team; maturity, steadiness and intensity. Teams were impressed at what she could do with a little frame."

League Most Valuable Player — Madeline Dolny, Moscow

Newcomer of the Year — Savanna Blinn, Lewiston

Coach of the Year — Melanie Leituala, Moscow

1st Team All League — Colleen Lopez, Mos; Kama Griffitts, Cd'A; Natalie Stewart, Cd'A; Abby Helander, Spt; Piper Wahlin, Spt; Koko James, Spt.

2nd Team All League — Hanna Johnson, Cd'A; Shelby Robb, Cd'A; Carly Ax, Lew; Brigitte Lowe, Mos; Ashley Kelly, LC; Brooke Demers, Spt.