Badgers show grit in loss to Sandpoint

BONNERS FERRY — The Badgers showed some grit in a losing effort to Sandpoint on Saturday, 14-25, 23-25, 18-25.

"These girls have some grit and they've got effort. So I'm very pleased with how they played," Bonners Ferry coach Cynthia Cummings said.

While the Badgers didn't come away with the win, Cummings said she was pleased with how the team played and said they rose to the challenge of playing a higher division team.

The Badgers never gave up and kept digging for the ball and working to power the ball past Sandpoint, Cummings said.

Statistics for the Badgers were unavailable.

Sandpoint coach Karen Alsager said she was pleased with how the Bulldogs played.

"It was a good night," Alsager said. "They didn't let up. They had passion. They were talking communicating. So it was good."

Vivian Platte led the Bulldogs with 16 kills and also contributed three blocks. In addition, Amaya Russell led with 16 digs and Hailey Swaim had 32 assists.

"It's fun seeing Vivian develop into such a hidden weapon," Alsager said. "She's just cleanly hitting her blocks with such power. Just really, really advancing a lot in our volleyball game. It's just exciting to see."

Bonners Ferry (10-8) travels to Timberlake for a conference game on Thursday before hosting Stillwater Christian in a non-conference game on Saturday.