Lady Cats grab three-set victory over Priest River
Clark Fork's Katelyn Matteson rises up to block a hit by Priest River's Ona Rose during Thursday's match at PRLHS.
(Photo by DYLAN GREENE)
Priest River's Allyson Barton tips the ball over the net during Thursday's match against Clark Fork.
(Photo by DYLAN GREENE)
Clark Fork's Eloise Shelton tries to tip the ball over the net during Thursday's match.
(Photo by DYLAN GREENE)
Clark Fork's Sarah Bopp rises up to tip the ball over the net.
(Photo by DYLAN GREENE)
Clark Fork's Taylor Payne rises up to try to block a Priest River hit on Thursday.
(Photo by DYLAN GREENE)
Priest River's Helena White attempts to tip the ball over the net during Thursday's match against Clark Fork.
(Photo by DYLAN GREENE)
Clark Fork's Paige Valliere rises up to attempt to block a hit by Priest River's Helena White in 2021. Valliere will once again be a team captain for the Wampus Cats in 2022.
(Photo by DYLAN GREENE)
PRIEST RIVER — Clark Fork volleyball picked up its third straight victory over Priest River on Thursday night, taking down the Spartans 25-20, 25-20, 25-14.
In a pair of matchups last season, the Spartans were able to take three sets off the Lady Cats. But Thursday was a different story.
Clark Fork was able to mount a pair of late runs to secure the first two sets, and in the final game, the Lady Cats sailed to their third straight sweep to start the season.
Clark Fork closed the first set on a 9-0 run and the second on a 9-3 run. Head coach Michelle Valliere said her team made smart plays to earn crucial points against the Spartans.
"Our passing was really good and we just didn't let their side of the court get us down," she said. "It was almost like we weren't even paying attention to the score, we were just focused on what we were doing."
At times, it felt like a home match for the Lady Cats thanks to the rowdy group of fans behind their bench. Michelle said it was great to have their support.
"That was super cool," she said. "The girls messaged a lot of the kids from the school and said, 'Hey you guys should come to the game, it's only in Priest River,' and got them all to come out."
Clark Fork was able to earn the victory without starting middle hitter Caiya Yanik. Michelle said everyone needed to step up their play with Yanik out, and they did.
Taylor Staley had 11 digs.
"I think Taylor's defense in the back row was spot-on," Michelle said.
Lilly Reuter served six aces, Paige Valliere tallied 19 assists and Katelyn Matteson tallied nine kills and three blocks.
Michelle said Paige and Matteson are starting to build great chemistry on the court.
"[Matteson] had a great game tonight," she said. "It's so awesome to see her and Paige coming along with their connections."
Taylor Payne served back-to-back aces to close out the match.
Clark Fork (3-0) heads to Lakeside at 6 p.m. Tuesday, while Priest River (0-3) hosts Bonners Ferry on Tuesday to open league play.
