PREP VOLLEYBALL: Coeur d'Alene sweeps Washington state champion Ridgeline

LIBERTY LAKE — Coeur d’Alene went looking for a test in nonleague play. 

And the Vikings only had to travel 19.7 miles to do so. 

Junior Bridget Maiani and sophomore Embree McKeown came up big in the back row as Coeur d’Alene defeated Ridgeline, last year’s state 3A champions 25-21, 25-16, 25-20 on Tuesday night. 

"They’re a great team; our girls play club with and against a lot of their girls,” Coeur d’Alene coach Carly Curtis said. “Bridget and Embree both had a great night. Our defense really stood out, we played with a lot of grit and heart all night. Our ball control was good, and that allowed us to run our offense.” 

Maiani had 13 digs and two aces for Coeur d’Alene (5-0). Gianna Callari had 16 kills, nine digs and two blocks, Hannah Shafer 30 assists, nine digs and two aces, Kaylee Paulson eight kills, Camryn Farrar six kills, Jovie Le three blocks. 

“Hannah was steady and had a great night spreading the ball around,” Curtis said. “They (the Falcons) have some really talented hitters and attacked the right side. Gianna and Hannah did a good job reading around the block.” 

It was the season opener for Ridgeline.

Coeur d’Alene plays host to Lakeland on Thursday. 

Sandpoint d. 

Lake City 

COEUR d’ALENE — The visiting Bulldogs came away with a 25-22, 25-16, 19-25, 27-25 victory over the Timberwolves in nonleague play. 

“We struggled to find a competitive gear and Sandpoint exposed the chinks in our armor,” Lake City coach Michelle Kleinberg said. “Great game by them. We are keeping our heads up and focusing on what we need to do to prepare for Thursday.” 

No stats were available for Lake City (1-4), which travels to Moscow on Thursday. 

Sandpoint (2-5) was swept by Lake City at home in the season opener. 

Lakeland d. 

Lewiston 

RATHDRUM — Junior Kindell Day had six kills, 11 assists and four aces as the host Hawks swept the Bengals 25-23, 25-13, 25-18 in the 5A Inland Empire League opener for both teams at Hawk Court. 

“She contributed in every area — offensively, defensively, and with smart decisions at the setter position,” Lakeland coach Kelsie Badger said. “Jaeli (Hoffman, a freshman who had 10 assists and two blocks) also stole the spotlight with several massive kills that energized the team and the crowd.” 

Alyssa Ryckman led Lakeland (2-2) with 10 kills and 11 digs. Chloe Neff added 10 digs, and Anabel Bowie and Raygen Dutton each had two blocks for the Hawks, who overcame a slow start. 

The Lakeland volleyball team came out on top with a clean sweep, though it took some time to settle in. After a nervous start in the opening set, the Hawks found their rhythm, battled through, and made strong connections on the court. 

“It’s always nice to get a sweep,” Badger said, “and our girls fought hard and showed great resilience once the momentum shifted our way.” 

Lewiston is 5-3. 

Lakeland travels to Coeur d’Alene on Thursday. 

Timberlake d. 

St. Maries 

SPIRIT LAKE — Senior Amarijana Olivieri had eight kills and 10 digs as the host Tigers swept the Lumberjacks 25-13, 25-15, 25-6 in nonleague play. 

Addie Archer added seven aces and seven digs for Timberlake (3-2). Everlee Powell had six kills and four blocks, Shae Jones five kills and four blocks, Willow Mattson 11 assists.  

“We played well as a team tonight and had each other’s backs,” Timberlake coach Lisa Gardom said. “We locked in for the third set and were able to put it all together.” 

"Despite their lack of practice time together — once in the last week — losing a couple key players and with new players into the rotations, they did amazing," St. Maries coach Tammie Woster said. "They’re stayed strong, and really should be proud of themselves. They’re stayed strong and kept it together very well. Freshman Letti Smith stepped in to a varsity role and did very well. Dimercia (Spooner) and Sadie (Jones) made some key saves and passes, and setters Lyssa (Watkins) and Taryn (Brebner) both showed extreme hustle."

On Thursday, Timberlake travels to Bonners Ferry for an Intermountain League match, and St. Maries is scheduled to visit Kellogg in Central Idaho League play. 

Lakeside d. 

Kootenai 

HARRISON FLATS — Senior Kimberly Pluff had 10 kills, five digs and four assists as the visiting Knights beat the Warriors 25-15, 25-9, 25-18 in nonleague play. 

Senior Tylah Lambert added eight kills, six digs, five aces and 20 assists for Lakeside (4-0). Rayna Schatz had three kills, Ryanna Ortivez four aces, Ambi Aldrich four kills, Allisue Hendrickx three digs, Izzy Kee three kills and five assists, Laila Charley five digs, Saydee Peone three kills, three aces and 11 digs. 

“My girls traveled well tonight — started strong and carried it throughout all three sets,” Lakeside coach Devyn Moore said. “Kimmie Pluff had great aggressive swings tonight and passed very well. Tylah again was everywhere; she attacked the ball aggressively and with authority. Her serving game was on point. Izzy Kee played a heck of a net game tonight.” 

For Kootenai (0-4), coach Elexus Moore-Rich praised the serving of Iva Hugo, the hitting of Brooklyn Charles and the all-around play of Chloe Dorman. 

Lakeside plays host to Wallace on Thursday in a Scenic Idaho Conference match. 

Wallace d.  

Coeur du Christ  

COEUR d’ALENE — Senior Kylie Phillips totaled 13 kills, 11 digs and a block as the visiting 2A Miners swept the 1A Saints 25-14, 25-23, 25-10 in nonleague play at Holy Family Catholic School. 

Megan Hull added 11 kills, six digs and four aces for Wallace (5-1), Aubrey Birdsell 19 assists and eight digs, Anna Rehnborg eight digs and two aces. 

Senior Maddie Junkin had eight kills and four blocks for Coeur du Christ (1-3). Kate Clemens had five blocks, Angelica Ross eight digs. 

Coeur du Christ travels to Mullan for a North Star League match on Thursday. 

Wallace visits Lakeside on Thursday in Scenic Idaho Conference play. 

    JASON DUCHOW PHOTOGRAPHY Lake City senior Sofia Peressini plays a ball up Tuesday night against Sandpoint at Lake City.