Post Falls takes down Sandpoint in five-set battle

SANDPOINT — Cassidy Jackson and Sydney Parks combined for 17 blocks, leading Post Falls to a 12-25, 25-21, 25-23, 18-25, 15-11 win over Sandpoint in a five-set marathon in nonleague volleyball Tuesday night at Les Rogers Court. 

Allison Munday had 13 kills, Mackenzie Morris 12 digs and seven aces and Kayla Mayo 16 set assists for the Trojans, who scored five points in a row to steal a pivotal third set win and then jumped out early in the final set.

“Our level of focus,” said Trojans coach Willow Hanna of the key to the win. “Communication and resiliency is what got us through these five sets.”

The Bulldogs (10-10) won the first set easily and were poised to win the third set, but could not close the deal. No strangers to fifth sets, Sandpoint could never get momentum and trailed from the start.

Kayla Neumann led the team with 12 kills, Laney Search added 19 assists, 13 digs, seven kills, three aces and three blocks, Grace Hicks a season-high six blocks and Grace Kirscher seven kills and four blocks in defeat.

Sandpoint coach Erin Roos praised the play of Kirscher and Hicks in the middle.

“We made too many errors. We’re trying to hit deep corners and lines, so they’re good errors,” said Roos, whose team played well enough to win. “We’re still seeing big improvements, especially out of the middles. Kayla has been our go-to hitter the last two games.”

Alexis Creighton added seven kills, and Hicks had several tip kills, utilizing her height and reach to catch the defense off-guard.

Sandpoint’s servicereturn game is improving as the season progresses, and when they’re clicking offensively, they are capable of playing at a very high level.

Sandpoint is at the Sheridan Classic in Spokane on Friday and Saturday.