Sandpoint 3, Lakeland 0

SANDPOINT — Senior outside hitter Belen Gonzales produced 14 kills, three blocks and two aces, all of which were team-highs, senior defensive specialist Gretta Beck recorded a team-high 16 digs, and the Lady Bulldogs swept the 2024 5A state runner-up and defending league champion Lady Hawks (25-21, 25-23, 25-20) in a 5A Inland Empire League game held Thursday night at Les Rogers Court.

On such an emotionally charged night, Sandpoint High head coach Piper Wahlin said her team's control made the difference.

"As a team, we were able to control our skills and dictate the tempo of the match," Wahlin said. "The maturity that this senior class brings, combined with the fire and composure of the underclassmen is an incredible thing to watch."

Freshman setter Averi Mire added a team-high 16 assists and senior captains Hazel Pierce and Alex Appl, both opposite hitters, each had two blocks for Sandpoint, which never trailed in any set. The Lady Bulldogs even led by as much as seven points, 20-13, in their third set victory.

"Every single one of my seniors contributed greatly tonight," coach Wahlin noted. "I couldn't be happier for them and with our progress as a team."

Sandpoint (3-5) hosts Lewiston for a 5A IEL matchup on Thursday, Sept. 25.

Lakeland (3-4), swept Lewiston and Moscow already this year in a pair of early season league matchups, which puts the Lady Bulldogs in a good spot if they can run the table.