BONNERS FERRY — The Priest River Lamanna Spartans stormed back to beat Bonners Ferry in four sets (17-25, 25-18, 25-20, 25-23) on Tuesday night to avenge their season-opening loss to the Badgers. 

Priest River dropped the first set but claimed the next three in a row to extend their winning streak to three games and move to 3-1 on the season. The Spartans were once again led by junior McKinley Burgess-Duquette, who totaled team-highs with 11 kills and 28 digs. 

Spartans head coach Katlyn Ward said the team focused on capitalizing when Badgers outside hitter senior Taren Bateman was in the back row. 

“Our defense knew the ball would likely go out to her, and they adjusted well,” Ward said. 

Alongside Burgess-Duquette, senior Raygn Turner and freshman Ava Griesemer had six kills each. Griesemer made significant contributions all over the court, adding three aces and two blocks against the Badgers. 

Seniors stuffed the stat sheet for Priest River. Haylee Jepson-Church and Callie Stanger also had three aces each while Rylee Dixon added two blocks. Stanger added 24 digs and Jepson-Church led the Spartans with 20 assists. 

“Our team does a good job at assisting others. Even if they are not on fire that night, they find ways to help the team succeed,” Ward said. “Our girls are becoming very good team players.” 

Priest River will look to continue their winning streak in a road showdown with Riverside on Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. The Spartans will then return home to face league opponent Orofino on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.