Bulldogs down Wildcats; showdown with Vikings next

SANDPOINT — Piper Wahlin had nine kills, Abby Helander had 19 digs and Koko James posted 15 assists as Sandpoint got a surprisingly stiff test from scrappy 3A Kellogg Monday afternoon, winning 25-14, 26-24 and 25-21 in non-league action at Les Rogers Court.

Sandpoint (10-0) also got 16 assists from Linnia Hawkins, and seven kills and two aces from senior captain Brooke DeMers as the usual cast of characters had big games. The biggest surprise was the play of junior middle blocker Adrianna Bucholtz, who had eight kills and four blocks in her second game on varsity.

"She was nervous against Lakeland," said head coach Karen Alsager of Bucholtz, whose height gives the Bulldogs a blocking presence they haven't had this season. "Today she was making an impact."

Samantha May added 14 digs for the Bulldogs, who play their biggest game of the season to date on Thursday, when Coeur d'Alene comes to town. Sandpoint has beaten the Vikings three times already this season, and will no doubt see an inspired effort from their IEL rivals.

"That's a big match," said Alsager of Thursday's showdown. "That match and the match against Moscow have a strong impact on districts."