Bulldogs win one, lose two at state tournament
<p>Senior Beth Lewis and the Bulldogs were eliminated from the state tournament on Friday. (Photo by ERIC PLUMMER)</p>
IDAHO FALLS — The Bulldogs looked sharp in a straight set win over Wood River in the 4A state volleyball tournament opener on Friday in Idaho Falls, but back-to-back losses to defending state champ Century and perennial power Bonneville ended the Bulldogs’ tournament and season.
The Bulldogs (23-10) beat Wood River 25-13, 25-11, 25-15 to notch their first tournament win in three years, led by Hannah Neumann and Taylor Martin with eight kills each, Kennedy Search with 14 assists, Kelli Plaster three aces and Beth Lewis two blocks.
Sandpoint head coach Karen Alsager said it was a good opening draw, and despite a slow start in the first set, her team got things rolling.
“We came out in the second and third games on fire. We hadn’t won in two years, so it was nice to break that ice,” she said, praising the blocking of Hailey Dunn off the bench. “She was a big presence at the net, and emotionally got us going.”
The Bulldogs advanced to face two-time defending champion Century (38-3) in the second round, falling 25-7, 25-15, 25-13, unable to hit around a huge Century middle blocker and find any kind of rhythm.
Neumann posted seven kills and six digs, Search 12 set assists and Megan Rockwell three blocks in defeat, as the Bulldogs struggled passing and setting up the offense.
They dropped into the consolation bracket for a night match with Bonneville (30-8), and the Bulldogs’ season came to an end with a 25-8, 25-14, 25-22 loss to the Bees.
Sophomore Taylor Martin was hit in the face warming up before the final game, and was unable to play. The Bulldogs missed her power and presence in the attack.
“She impacts our team so strongly,” said Alsager of Martin. “We fought hard, but emotionally had a hard time without Taylor. We just didn’t get it done.”
Rockwell finished with eight kills, Search 10 assists, Neumann 19 digs and Olin three blocks in the season-ending loss to the Bees.
“I’m proud of the girls,” said Alsager of the season. “They were wonderful to work with all year.”