The Post Falls Trojans volleyball team opened its season with a straight-set victory over the Sandpoint Bulldogs on Tuesday at The Arena, marking the debut of new head coach Casey Cornett. The Trojans won 25-21, 26-24, 25-21 in a competitive matchup that showed promise for the program under Cornett’s leadership. Cornett, who spent the previous four years as an assistant coach in the Post Falls program, was elevated to the head coaching role this season.
Post Falls was led offensively by freshman Peyton Barclift, who recorded 16 kills in her debut performance. Senior Teresa Smith added 12 kills to provide additional punch at the net. The team’s offensive efficiency was supported by strong play from Lucy Carr, who distributed 24 assists and recorded 3 aces, while Malia Uemoto contributed 15 assists and 8 digs from the setter position. Defensively, Rylie Gump tallied 4 blocks and Khloe Neal added 2 blocks. Jade Laos recorded 10 digs and 3 aces to round out the Trojans’ performance.
Kootenai County Volleyball Roundup
The Coeur d’Alene Vikings continued their strong start to the season with a dominant four-set victory over Lakeland, improving to 9-1. The Vikings defeated the Hawks 25-22, 25-20, 19-25, 25-13 in a contest that showcased balanced scoring and solid execution across the roster.
Senior Jovie Le led Coeur d’Alene’s attack with 13 kills, while Marly Sutich contributed 7 kills and 3 blocks. Eva Callari recorded 6 kills and 10 digs for the Vikings. Setting duties were handled effectively by Hannah Shafer, who distributed 21 assists, and Emily Hackett, who had 15 assists and 3 aces. Julianna Hasso added another 3 aces to the team’s service game.
Lakeland, playing through the lingering effects of a stomach bug that affected the team during a tournament in San Diego last weekend and into Monday, fought hard but fell short. The Hawks’ Marissa Benson posted 10 kills and 11 digs, while Jolie Warren added 12 kills. Jaeli Hoffman recorded 11 kills, 17 assists, and 3 aces for Lakeland. Setter Kindell Day distributed 20 assists, and Emma Beaty contributed 20 digs defensively. Despite a 3-3 record, Lakeland’s resilience in the face of illness showed the team’s competitive character.
Action Across North Idaho
Lake City High School’s volleyball program got off to an impressive start, with the Timberwolves defeating Moscow 25-16, 25-1, 25-13 at the Bear Den. Kate Moglia orchestrated the offense with 24 assists and 6 digs, while Camryn Woodman led the attack with 13 kills. Alaina Freed added 9 kills and 3 blocks for Lake City, now 2-0 on the season.
In Central Idaho League play, the Kellogg Bulldogs dominated Grangeville, winning 25-15, 25-10, 26-24. Junior Ella Yrjana was a standout performer with 20 assists, 5 kills, and 2 aces. Paige Yrjana contributed 9 kills and 9 digs, while Gretah Angle recorded 8 kills and 3 aces. Jordyn Stutzke posted 10 digs and Bella Schillereff added 8 digs for the Kellogg defense. Freshman Valynn Visintainer made a perfect impression, connecting on all 14 of her serves.
What Comes Next
The Post Falls Trojans will take their 1-0 record to Lakeland on Thursday for a matchup against the Hawks. Coeur d’Alene will travel to Sandpoint on the same evening. Lake City returns home next Tuesday to face Lewiston. Kellogg will travel to Bonners Ferry for its next Central Idaho League contest.