Neumann, Bulldogs win silver bracket at Crossover

SPOKANE — Hannah Neumann hammered 44 kills to go with 45 digs and seven aces, leading Sandpoint to the silver bracket championship at the Crossover Classic Volleyball Tournament on Saturday in Spokane.

The Bulldogs (18-7) went 6-1 in the 64 team tournament, beating Brewster 25-15, 25-15 and Kennewick 25-20, 21-25, 15-2 before losing to Skyview 25-21, 26-24 in pool play, putting them into the third tier silver bracket.

“We had a three way tie for first in pool play, but according to points we ended up third even though we beat Kennewick head-to-head,” said Bulldogs head coach Karen Alsager. “We were bummed that we didn’t get to play in the gold or platinum brackets after being tied for first in pool play.”

The Bulldogs went undefeated to win the silver bracket, downing Post Falls 26-24, 27-25, Rogers 25-23, 25-23, Gonzaga Prep 22-25, 25-17, 15-5 and Cascade 22-25, 26-17 and 15-7 in a bevy of close matches.

“We improved throughout the day, getting more consistent with hitting, passing and serving,” said Alsager, who needed a deep bench with three tie breaker sets. “Everyone on the team contributed during the tournament.”

Taylor Martin finished with 35 kills, Megan Rockwell added 29 kills and seven blocks, Kennedy Search 85 set assists and five aces, Maddie Russo 40 digs, Hailey Dunn a team-high nine blocks and Kelli Plaster five aces for the Bulldogs.

Sandpoint is at Lakeland tonight in the final 4A North regular season contest, looking to remain undefeated in league play.