Bulldogs handle Bears for 4A North win

MOSCOW — Hannah Neumann hammered nine kills and Kennedy Search set up 29 assists, leading Sandpoint to a 25-12, 25-12 and 27-25 sweep of Moscow in 4A North volleyball Tuesday night at the Bear Den.

Maddie Russo added 11 digs, Megan Rockwell three aces and Emma Liband two blocks to lead the Bulldogs (8-4, 2-0 4A IEL), who have now dominated both league foes in the first meeting, a positive sign for their chances to get to state.

“We handled them pretty easily. Everyone played well and it was a quick road trip,” said head coach Karen Alsager, whose players are still fighting for playing time. “We have some great inter-squad competition for starting positions, the bench is pushing our girls to play hard.”

The Bulldogs’ only losses on the season have come against 5A teams from the Inland Empire League. They’ll get another chance against Lake City, Post Falls and Lewiston — the three teams they’ve lost to — in the second half.

The JV team remains undefeated on the season, featuring many of the same girls who went undefeated last year as freshmen.

Sandpoint hosts Lewiston on Saturday, looking to avenge an earlier season loss.