IDAHO FALLS — The Clark Fork Wampus Cats never found their offensive footing and were swept by the Carey Panthers in a 1A State Tournament consolation bracket semi-final matchup Friday. 

The No. 4 seed Wampus Cats never mustered more than 13 points in a set and fell to the No. 8 seed Panthers, 25-10, 25-13 and 25-13. Clark Fork's second loss ends their season as they finish with a 17-2 overall record. 

"We finished the third set playing some really gritty volleyball, but often errored ourselves out of rallies," Lyndsie Kiebert-Carey said.  

Freshman Grace Thompson led the way for the Wampus Cats' offense with six kills while fellow freshman Avery Aumick added five kills. Star sophomore setter Kiylah Anderson totaled 15 assists, while the team's lone senior, Nora-Jean Hoy, added two aces.  

Impacts from Clark Fork's freshmen were felt on the defensive side as well, as Molly Adams led Clark Fork with 10 digs. The Wampus Cats only have one senior and three juniors on the varsity team, making them an incredibly young team to be in the state tournament. 

Clark Fork's 2026 season was highlighted by a District 1-2 title and an undefeated regular season, in which the Wampus Cats dropped only four of their 55 sets. 

"We have a lot of respect for the level of volleyball being played at the top 1A schools in the state and look forward to growing and earning our way back to the tournament!" Kiebert-Carey said. 

    Junior Gracie Stevens leaps to hit a ball against Carey at the 1A State Tournament at Thunder Ridge High in Idaho Falls on Friday.