Bulldogs drop five-setter to Trojans

SANDPOINT - The Sandpoint volleyball won the first two games in convincing fashion, before momentum swung in a big way and Post Falls was able to rally for a 14-25, 17-25, 25-20, 26-24 and 15-6 win Thursday night in nonleague volleyball action at Les Rogers Court.

Allison Meehan led the Trojans (3-0) with 10 kills, Ashley Jibby added 19 digs and three aces, Tori Birtsch 21 set assists and Sierra Monti a game-high six blocks as Post Falls turned the tide and picked up confidence as the match progressed. A lengthy service run by Kathleen Clancy proved crucial in the third game to jump start the comeback.

"Enthusiasm was key, celebrating every point and holding on to that intensity," said Trojan head coach Willow Hanna, who credited the turnaround to ball control. "We got a handle on that and were smarter on offense."

For Sandpoint it was deja vu, as the Bulldogs (0-1) also held a two game advantage last year before falling on the road in Post Falls. Head coach Karen Alsager had talked about that very game with her team before the match.

"Same situation, two games up and couldn't put it away," she said. "It's so hard for a team up two games to close the door. The other team's confidence was building up and we were losing ours."

Sam Buratto tallied 11 kills, Blake Plaster 24 digs, Mackenzie Jones 16 assists and three aces and Alex Bucholtz four blocks to lead the Bulldogs, who played a little tentative in the decisive fifth game.

Sandpoint is at Coeur d'Alene on Tuesday.