Moscow sweeps SHS volleyball in 4A Region 1 loser-out match

MOSCOW — Sandpoint volleyball was unable to keep its season alive on Tuesday night in the 4A Region 1 loser-out match.

For the third time this season, the Bulldogs suffered a loss in straight sets to Moscow, who advance to face Lakeland in the 4A Region 1 championship game on Thursday.

SHS lost 25-14, 25-11, 25-15.

"Pretty much the same as its gone all season," head coach Karen Alsager said about the match. "Moments of good volleyball, followed by too many moments of unnecessary errors."

It was the last match in a Bulldog uniform for seniors Lauren Breuner, Saylor Bond, Emma Brown and Tori Pelkey, and Alsager felt like they gave it their all.

"Our seniors came out and played hard," she said. "It's sad to see our seniors have their final match."

In the third set, Pelkey racked up six kills in the first 11 points. She finished with a team-high seven kills and three blocks. Brown had 12 digs and sophomore Audrey Sheffler added 20 set assists and one ace.

Sophomores Aubree Lane and Haley Hustead-Swaim got called up from the junior varsity squad and saw some significant playing time against the Bears.

It was a disappointing end to the season for the Bulldogs, who finish with a 3-13 record. Alsager is already looking forward to next year and chasing that state berth that has eluded Sandpoint the last three years. She said her squad really needs to sharpen their defensive skills over the offseason and become more confident on the court.

With six varsity players coming back, Alsager is certainly optimistic about the future of her program.