Wampus Cats advance to consolation championship

GENESSEE — In their final opportunity to battle against bigger schools, the Wampus Cats advanced to the consolation championship of the Genessee Pea and Lentil Volleyball Tournament on Saturday.

The Wampus Cats (13-9) lost 25-19, 25-22 to Logos, lost 25-21, 25-22 to Genessee, and lost 25-14, 25-19 to Colton in pool play.

“We were in every match but couldn’t put away a set and/or match,” said Clark Fork head coach Cindy Derr. “Our passing and service-receive struggled all morning.”

Brooke Stevens posted 71 assists, nine kills and seven aces on the day to earn a spot on the all-tournament team, while Ellie Kiebert added 34 kills, 12 digs and four blocks for the Cats, who dropped into the consolation bracket.

Clark Fork handled Grangeville 25-23, 25-22 to advance the championship and a rematch against Logos, losing 25-23, 25-22 in another tight match.

“We basically went point for point for each set,” described Derr. “But in the end we just couldn’t deal with their 6-foot-2 middle.”

Hailey Bristol tallied 23 kills, 14 digs and five aces, and Ellie Lambert had 12 digs and 33 service receive passes on the day. The Cats have played up in class 14 times this year, as Derr scheduled up for a reason, knowing this is her best chance to contend for state in years.

“All in all it was a good tuneup for the end of the season run,” she said.

Clark Fork hosts Genesis Prep tonight in a North Star League match.