Bulldogs handle business on Senior Night

SANDPOINT — In what Sandpoint head coach Karen Alsager called a touching Senior Night, the Bulldogs dominated West Valley to the tune of a 25-18, 25-17 and 25-13 sweep Wednesday night in nonleague volleyball action at Les Rogers Court.

Taylor Martin led the way with nine kills, Beth Lewis and Megan Rockwell added seven each, Kennedy Search finished with 26 set assists, Teresa Young four aces and Maddie Russo 11 digs for the Bulldogs (20-8), who were never seriously threatened.

Seniors Russo, Lewis, Rockwell, Young, Kelli Plaster and Maddie Suppiger were honored before the game, a class Alsager lauded for its maturity and genuineness.

“Knowing them for so long and seeing them on Senior Night with their parents is special, it goes by so fast,” said Alsager. “They have so much fun together, and they played with confidence tonight. I’m proud of the seniors, they’ve done a great job leading this team.”

The No. 1 seed Bulldogs now turn their attention to the 4A Region 1 tournament on Saturday, when No. 2 Moscow and No. 3 Lakeland come to town for a one-day, double-elimination tournament for the lone state berth.

District tournaments have been known to feature some surprises in the past, and Alsager is hoping her team simply takes care of business to punch their ticket to state.

“We need to be on top of it,” said Alsager, whose team went undefeated in 4A North play during the season. “We’ve had some scary moments in districts before.”

The JV team also beat West Valley, capping an undefeated season against JV competition.

The district tournament will run all day on Saturday, with the Bears and Hawks kicking things off at 10 a.m., and the Bulldogs awaiting the winner at noon.