Martin powers Bulldogs to big 4A IEL win

MOSCOW — In a tough environment, with plenty at stake, the Bulldogs leaned on senior outside hitter Taylor Martin, who delivered a season-high 22 kills to power the Bulldogs past the Bears 25-21, 9-25, 21-25, 25-19, 15-8 on Thursday in 4A Inland Empire League volleyball at the Bear Den.

With the win, the Bulldogs (14-14, 3-1 4A IEL) will  now await the outcome of the final league match between the Bears (2-1 4A IEL) and Hawks to determine who hosts districts.

Darbey Scrimsher had a solid night distributing and directing the attack, dishing out a season-best 47 set assists to go with 10 digs. Trinity Young added 16 digs and six aces, Laney Search nine kills and 12 digs, Kayla Neumann eight kills and 12 digs and Amy Shepard six kills, 13 digs and several nice serving runs, as the Bulldogs won the final two sets.

Sandpoint has been in a lot of five set matches this season, and the nerves were no doubt tested during a tough road win.

“Taylor had an outstanding night swinging away at the net tonight. Trinity was solid in the back row, and Moscow had a hard time handling Amy’s killer topspin serve,” said Bulldogs head coach Erin Roos. “We fought hard tonight and played with intensity. I’m really proud of them.”

Sandpoint hosts Lake City on Tuesday for Senior Night.