Bulldog volleyball team notches 29th straight win

SANDPOINT — A succinct and pointed pep talk from coach Karen Alsager after the third game seemed to propel Sandpoint past Coeur d'Alene 25-27, 25-22, 15-25, 25-19 and 15-10 in an emotionally taut, Inland Empire League showdown Thursday night at Les Rogers Court.

Sophomore Piper Wahlin had 18 kills to pace Sandpoint (11-0, 7-0 IEL), and sophomore Koko James added 13 kills and 25 set assists as the Bulldogs heeded their coaches words after falling behind two games to one.

"I reminded them that this team could take away the goal to be undefeated," Alsager said of her pep talk. "That got them fired up."

Sandpoint has now won 29 consecutive matches dating back to last year, and have their sights firmly set on repeating as 4A state champions. Abby Helander led the Bulldogs with 26 digs, Linnia Hawkins with five aces, and sophomore Christina Johnson had 10 digs and eight kills in her best game of the season.

"She was steady," said Alsager of Johnson. "I thought she was the go-to hitter tonight."

Alsager also said Wahlin was especially valuable in keeping the undefeated season alive against an energetic and game Vikings squad, giving the Bulldogs consistently strong hitting on a night when it was desperately needed.

The Vikings (12-5, 5-2 IEL) got some stellar play from their outside hitters, as Hanna Johnson, Shelby Robb and Kama Griffitts combined to hammer home 35 kills, most set deftly by Natalie Stewart, who tallied a remarkable 40 assists in the five games.Carly Curtis, who felt her team played to tight in the fifth and deciding game. "We didn't control our side; played safe and too smart instead of playing aggressive."

Sandpoint plays at Post Falls today.