Hawks down Sandpoint in four sets
Junior Tori Pelkey (left) and senior Gabby Hicks try to block a hit by Lakeland's Katy Ryan during a match on Sept. 17 at Les Rogers Court.
(Photo by DYLAN GREENE)
RATHDRUM — Lakeland completed a regular season sweep of Sandpoint volleyball with a four set win Thursday night, 25-12, 22-25, 25-17, 29-27.
The victory helped the Hawks lock up the No. 1 seed in the district tournament. The Bulldogs can clinch the No. 2 seed with a win at Moscow next Thursday.
The Bulldogs got off to a slow start in the opening set, but found their rhythm the rest of the way.
"That's the first game we've taken off Lakeland in two years, so now we know they can bleed," head coach Karen Alsager said.
The fourth set was a nail-bitter that could have gone either way. Sandpoint tried its best to keep the match alive, but Lakeland prevailed.
"Our girls are feeling really confident that we can make some defensive adjustments to take them when we play at districts," Alsager said.
Gabby Hicks led the team with 20 kills, 12 digs and one ace. Kaylee Banks tallied 22 assists, Kinzie Ward had 14 digs and Bella Phillips added eight kills and four blocks.
The JV II team was able to knock off the Hawks in straight sets.
Alsager said this close match with Lakeland gives the Bulldogs hope.
"We've been playing pretty good volleyball and if we can continue to focus in practice and get better, I can't wait to play them again," she said.
Sandpoint (3-9, 1-2 IEL) hosts Lewiston 2 p.m. Saturday at Les Rogers Court.