Clark Fork 3, Lakeside 0 

CLARK FORK — Down 23-20 to the visiting Lakeside Knights in the second set, Clark Fork High head coach Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey took her second timeout and met with her team. 

The Wampus Cats’ head coach dialed up a less practiced play, putting the attack in the hot hands of freshman Grace Thompson.  Sophomore Kiylah Anderson set it for Thompson, putting the faith in the young player, who smashed it home to allow Clark Fork to claw their way back into the set. 

Kiebert-Carey said that’s exactly what they did, capitalizing on the momentum to go on a 5-0 run and steal the second set of an eventual sweep (25-19, 25-23, 25-20) of the Knights on Thursday night.  

“Kiylah demonstrated a lot of trust and went ahead and used that option, and Grace did what she did all night and terminated it,” Kiebert-Carey said. “I think we proved something to ourselves in the process.”  

With the non-league victory, Clark Fork moves to 2-0 on the year. This win was powered by Thompson, who posted 12 kills on the night. 

“Grace Thompson had a standout night, hitting .304, which is wildly efficient for an outside hitter,” Kiebert-Carey said. “She continues to trust her setter and be super coachable.” 

Thompson was backed by solid outings from sophomore Vanessa Rogier, who had five kills and 13 digs. Freshman Kourtney Rogier and senior Nora Jean-Hoy both contributed four kills each, with Rogier adding five aces to boot. 

Coming off a career-high night in the Wampus Cats opener, Anderson led the team with 24 assists. Junior Elyssa Raynor donned the libero jersey for Clark Fork for the first time and delivered a steady presence for the team, Kiebert-Carey said. 

“I know the girls were excited to play at home, and our crowd really showed up, which was amazing,” Kiebert-Carey said. “Lakeside served tough and their libero got a ton of balls up, but we managed to keep our foot on the gas and finish rallies.” 

On deck for Clark Fork are the Wallace Miners. The Wampus Cats will head to Wallace for a non-league showdown on Sept. 2 at 7 p.m. 

Coeur d’Alene 3, Sandpoint 0 

SANDPOINT — The Sandpoint High Bulldogs struggled to maintain momentum against the Coeur d’Alene High Knights, getting swept 3-0 (25-16, 25-12, 25-22) in a non-league matchup at Les Rogers Court on Thursday night. 

Sophomore Ali Gunter led the way for the Bulldogs with eight kills and one service ace, with fellow sophomore Abi Williams contributing a team-high 10 digs. Sophomore Hailey Gion also had one service ace on the night. 

Sophomore Averi Mire totaled 11 set assists and senior Marlee Lane posted a team-high three blocks against the Knights. Sandpoint head coach Karen Alsager said her team didn’t play up to her expectations in the Thursday night showdown. 

“My team looked tired and low on energy, not as fast and not as explosive,” Alsager said. “We’ve had five matches in seven days, including one tomorrow, and it is showing.” 

The Bulldogs will get another crack at the Knights on Sept. 3. Alsager said the team should have freshman Brooklyn Lacy back by then, who should provide some significant help on the blocking front. 

Before that rematch, Sandpoint continues their gauntlet to open the season with a Saturday afternoon game at Bonners Ferry at 1:30 p.m.