Bulldog volleyball team closes gap on Bengals

LEWISTON — Facing the reigning 5A state champion Bengals for the third time this season, the Bulldogs once again fell in straight sets, but closed the gap significantly in both final score and overall competitiveness.

The Bulldogs (12-5) lost 25-23, 25-15, 25-20 to the Bengals (15-0), showing they could compete with arguably the best team in the state for stretches.

“It was the first time we’ve played where they didn’t make a run on us,” said Bulldogs head coach Karen Alsager, who feels her offense can play better in the fourth and final meeting between the schools in Sandpoint in October. “We feel good about our scores. We’re very anxious to play them at home.”

Hannah Neumann had six kills and 13 digs, Taylor Martin six kills and two aces, Emma Liband three blocks and two aces and Kennedy Search six set assists, as the Bulldogs.

Three of Sandpoint’s five losses are to the Bengals, and while the record might suffer, getting a chance to play a powerhouse four times in the regular season is sure to play dividends as the season progresses.

The JV team beat the Bengals, a great sign for the future.

Sandpoint is at Post Falls on Thursday, facing the Trojans and Moses Lake in a tri-match.