PREP VOLLEYBALL: Coeur d'Alene opens with runner-up finish at Kuna tourney

KUNA — Coeur d’Alene won its first eight matches on the weekend before finishing second at the Kuna Klassic, which concluded Saturday at Kuna High. 

In pool play on Friday, Coeur d’Alene beat New Plymouth 25-13, 25-13, Marsing 23-25, 25-14, 15-10 and Borah 26-24, 25-22. 

In another pool on Saturday, the Vikings beat Bishop Kelly 25-14, 25-23, Mountain View 25-14, 25-17 and Council 25-14, 25-17. 

In bracket play, Coeur d’Alene defeated Borah 25-19, 25-16 and Cole Valley Christian 29-27, 25-14 to advance to the championship match, where the Vikings fell to Ambrose 16-25, 25-22, 15-11. 

“It was good to see our girls grind it out,” Coeur d’Alene coach Carly Curtis said. “That championship match, it was who could fight through tiredness and soreness.” 

Emily Hackett had 98 assists on the day, Hannah Shafer 96 assists and 11 aces for Coeur d’Alene. Jovie Le had 53 kills, Eva Callari 47 kills, 56 digs and 12 aces, Marly Sutich 42 kills and 23 blocks. Maren Larson had 35 blocks, Embree McKeown 112 digs and 10 aces. 

“Our setters did a really good job of running our offense, getting balls to the pins,” Curtis said. “We brought three freshmen and they all played with confidence and made a big impact. 

Embree, the heart of our defense, was a very consistent passer.  

Eva Callari, she’s a smart hitter, phenomenal ball control, smart server, awesome ball control, it was good to see her shine.” 

Coeur d’Alene plays host to Lakeland on Tuesday.

Lakeland goes 3-2 at San Diego tourney

SAN DIEGO — The Lakeland Hawks won three out of five matches and captured the Gold consolation bracket at the San Diego Varsity Classic hosted by Alliant International University. 

In pool play, Lakeland defeated Rancho Bernardo of San Diego 25-19, 22-25, 15-13, and lost to Francis Parker of San Diego 25-19, 25-16. 

In a crossover match, the Hawks beat Holtville (Calif.) 25-16, 25-19.  

In the Gold bracket, Lakeland lost to Patrick Henry of San Diego 25-19, 25-12, then defeated Christian of El Cajon, Calif., 25-19, 26-24. 

Anabel Bowie had 16 kills, 12 blocks and six aces on the day for Lakeland. Jaeli Hoffman added 18 kills, nine blocks, 45 assists and six aces, Jolie Warren 46 kills, four blocks and two aces, Maddi Justesen 10 kills and seven digs, Marissa Benson 10 kills, 18 digs and four aces, Emma Beaty 40 digs and eight aces, Kindell Day 18 kills, 58 assists, 16 digs and five aces.  

“It was an incredible experience for our team,” Lakeland coach Kelsie Badger said. “We faced new opponents, embraced every challenge, and kicked off the season with energy and purpose. Battling through the heat inside the venue demanded grit, resilience, determination, and teamwork, and our girls rose to the occasion every step of the way. They fought hard, stayed focused, and continued to grow stronger together. We couldn’t be prouder of their effort and heart.”  

Lakeland plays at Coeur d’Alene on Tuesday.

Lake City d. 

Sandpoint 

COEUR d’ALENE — Senior Camryn Woodman had 14 kills and five digs as the host Timberwolves beat the Bulldogs  25-16, 25-20, 25-11 in the season opener for both teams. 

Ella Jeanselme added 10 kills, seven digs and six aces for Lake City, Kate Moglia had 20 assists, seven digs and two kills, Sonia-Rei Fong 20 digs.  

“Strong start to the season against an impressive Sandpoint team,” Lake City coach Michelle Kleinberg said. “They play big with some talented offensive weapons. These girls are very composed and coachable; lots to look forward to as things get going.” 

Sandpoint plays host to Timberlake on Monday. 

Lake City visits Moscow on Tuesday.