WALLACE — After beating Lakeside in back-to-back matches to clinch a berth in the 2A State Tournament, it’s safe to say the Wallace High School volleyball team is peaking at the right time. 

Led by senior co-captains Megan Hull and Aubrey Birdsell, the Miners finished with a 16-8 record and the 2A District I Championship.  

Hull is a versatile player with a high IQ, racking up 226 kills, 232 digs, and 52 aces during the season. Birdsell is the team’s motivator and has contributed 312 assists and 193 digs while playing through illness earlier in the year. 

“Aubrey is relentlessly positive and always lifts her teammates up,” said head coach Katie Bauer. “She hustles like crazy and even played through a terrible flu at Clark Fork this year. We called it her Michael Jordan moment.” 

Senior Kylee Phillips has also emerged as a key leader, tallying 308 digs, 157 kills, and 52 aces. Her competitive fire has been a driving force behind Wallace’s success. 

“Kylee is the most competitive player on the court,” Bauer said. “Her drive is simple, she wants to win and will do whatever it takes to make that happen.” 

Sophomore setter Kayden Stutzke has made her mark as well, recording 77 aces and 224 assists, ranking second in Idaho for aces. 

Birdsell, Hull, and Phillips were all named to the all-league team, recognized for their consistent leadership and performance. 

A pivotal moment came late in the season when Bauer shifted Phillips to the outside and moved Grace DeLano to the middle. The change paid off, with DeLano controlling the net and Phillips becoming more aggressive offensively. 

The six seed in the upcoming tournament, Wallace now prepares to face third-seeded Valley, a team that Bauer expects to be aggressive and led by standout players Sophia Crumrine and Emily Huettig. 

“Valley is a tough opponent, and we respect their aggressive style,” Bauer said. “We look forward to the challenge.” 

Despite being the underdog, Wallace does have a quasi-home court advantage playing at Post Falls High School, where she expects a large contingent of Miner faithful to come support the team.  

Wallace takes on Valley in the opening round of the 2A State Tournament on Thursday, at 5 p.m. at Post Falls High School.