COEUR d'ALENE - Facing the three-time defending state champions and a handful of future college players, Sandpoint came out swinging in the first set, before getting swept 25-23, 25-13, 25-19 by Century of Pocatello to finish fourth Saturday at the state 4A volleyball tournament at Lake City High.

The Bulldogs (25-13) went toe-to-toe with Century early on, nearly stealing the first set, before their season came to an end with the first state trophy since 2009.

"I'm proud we could hang with this team. They're better than the 5As," said Bulldogs coach Karen Alsager of 4A powers Century, Skyview and Bonneville. "Getting fourth place with as good as these teams are, honestly, we probably landed where we should have."

Hannah Neumann led the Bulldogs with nine kills, Emma Liband five kills and six blocks, Hailey Dunn 17 assists and Mariah Kluver 12 digs. Liband scored the first six points - by kills and blocks - as the Bulldogs jumped out to an early lead in the third set, but they simply couldn't match Century's firepower for extended stretches.

Century boasted an outside hitter who is signed to play at Oregon State, another player who is headed to the University of Idaho, and an underclassman who is a nationally-ranked setter. Not surprisingly, there were a handful of college scouts on hand taking in some of the 4A action over the weekend.

"We came out and played with them. I didn't know how my team would react. I'm proud of them, it was a good finish," said Alsager, reflecting on the season. "It felt like one of the most balanced teams I've had in a long time. It was nice to have the blocking this year."

Sandpoint was given the 4A sportsmanship award after the match, for the behavior of its players, coaches and fans.

Other tournaments

5A: At Post Falls High, Lewiston (35-1) romped to its second straight state title, sweeping Idaho Falls in the semifinals and finals. Rocky Mountain of Meridian was third, Vallivue of Caldwell fourth.

4A: At Lake City High, Century (44-4) of Pocatello captured its fourth straight state title, but had to do it the hard way. After losing in the second round on Friday, the Diamondbacks had to win four matches on Saturday, including two over Bonneville of Idaho Falls in the championship round.

3A: At Coeur d'Alene High, Snake River won its third state title in four years, beating Parma in the semifinals and championship match. Snake also won in 2010 and '11. Fruitland, last year's champion, finished fourth.

2A: At Lakeland High, Firth defeated Malad in the championship match to nab its first state title since 2004. Orofino, the Central Idaho League and District 1-2 champion, finished third.

1A Division I: At Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Genesee battled through the losers bracket to win its first state title since 2009, and fifth overall. Genesee beat 2011 champ Troy twice in the championship round, finishing a 4-0 run on Saturday.

1A Division II: At Lewiston High, Lighthouse Christian defeated Tri-Valley to win its second straight state title.