Clark Fork 3, Kootenai Classical 1 

POST FALLS — One of Clark Fork head coach Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey's goals for 2026 was to finish off games when the Wampus Cats were leading, and through one game, they’ve done just that.

The Wampus Cats polished off the Kootenai Classical Academy Kodiaks in four sets (25-16, 25-18, 21-25, 25-21) on Tuesday night in the Kodiaks' first-ever varsity volleyball game. Kiebert-Carey said the team responded to challenges well and brought positive energy throughout the night. 

“We learned a lot about ourselves, what we need to work on, but something I’m happy to confirm is that the energy and the grit this team has is really great,” Kiebert-Carey said. “I think that’s going to carry us throughout the season. 

Clark Fork was led by sophomore captain Kiylah Anderson, who notched a career-high 35 assists alongside a team-high seven aces and eight digs. Kiebert-Carey said Anderson did a terrific job distributing the ball and keeping the offense varied against the Kodiaks. 

“She had a career high 35 assists, which is a credit to her and her set distribution, but also a credit to our attackers for finishing balls,” Kiebert-Carey said of Anderson. “We’ve had a habit as a program for the last couple of years of airing ourselves out of victories essentially, and tonight, I’m happy to see the work we’re doing finishing balls appears to be paying off. 

Fellow sophomore Vanessa Rogier led the Wampus Cats with 12 kills, followed by freshman Grace Thompson with nine and senior Nora-Jean Hoy with eight. Kiebert-Carey lauded Rogier’s hitting efficiency, .259, in addition to the sophomore’s three blocks and three aces. 

The Wampus Cats’ head coach also shouted out the team’s lone senior, Hoy, for her veteran leadership. Four of Hoy’s eight kills came in the fourth and final set, helping Clark Fork seal the victory and avoid the dreaded fifth set. 

Thompson posted a team-high four blocks, leading a solid defensive effort from the entire team. Freshmen Molly Adams, Gemma Wood and junior Elyssa Raynor made valuable contributions, with Adams and Wood posting six digs each. Kiebert-Carey said the trio’s flexibility, testing out different positions, was key to the victory. 

Clark Fork returns for their home opener on Thursday against Lakeside at 7 p.m. at the Clark Fork Jr./Sr. High gym. The game can also be streamed on the NFHS Network for those who cannot make it. 

Post Falls 3, Sandpoint 0 

POST FALLS — The Sandpoint Bulldogs narrowly fell in all three sets (25-21, 26-24, 25-21) to the Post Falls Trojans in a league matchup on Tuesday night. 

Though the team fell to 1-2 on the season, it was another standout night from sophomore Darby Rust, who led Sandpoint with 13 digs and seven kills. Sandpoint head coach Karen Alsager said Rust made smart hitting choices and played with a high level of grit and intensity on the court.  

“We found a good intensity rhythm,” Alsager said. “Even though it was a losing effort, we found some good nuggets we feel good about.” 

Sophomore Averi Mire led the team with 21 set assists, and sophomore Abi Williams added 10 digs as well.  

Alsager said the team, which has played three games in four days, hasn’t held a practice since their first game. She added that the lack of reps has meant the team is practicing new tactics and adjustments for the first time in games. 

“We haven’t practiced in a week with three matches in a row, so [we're] looking forward to making some adjustments before the CDA match,” Alsager said. 

The Bulldogs' early-season test continues with a league showdown against Coeur d’Alene High on Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Sandpoint High gym.