Bulldogs open volleyball season with win

SANDPOINT - The Bulldogs wasted little time flaunting some of their firepower, starting the first game of their season with a 9-0 scoring run and cruising to a 25-9, 25-21, 25-20 win over Post Falls Thursday night at Les Rogers Court.

Junior Christina Johnson was the server on that first run, powering a heavy top spin serve while leading the Bulldogs (1-0, 1-0 IEL) with three aces and six kills.

"CJ had some monster service runs," said head coach Karen Alsager. "It was her first time jump-serving, which tells you what kind of athlete she is."

Koko James had 49 set assists, Abby Helander tallied 15 digs and Piper Wahlin and Kaiti Lunde each added six kills as the Bulldogs were never seriously threatened. Alsager said her team was still smarting from a one-game loss to Coeur d'Alene in the jamboree last week, something they're not very accustomed to.

"The loss to Coeur d'Alene bothered us, we felt we played tentative," said Alsager. "I'm happy to see the team get back in a groove."

Dani Meehan had six kills and seven digs to lead Post Falls (0-2, 0-2 IEL), Jalana White added 15 assists and seven blocks and Brittany Atwood added six blocks in the loss.

"Sandpoint has been a powerhouse and in their gym it's always a challenge," said Trojan assistant coach Greg Cossette, adding that he liked how his team bounced back after the first game. "I'm happy the kids stood up to the challenge. I thought we did well."

Sandpoint will play in the Walla Walla tournament today and tomorrow.