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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

After Win, Viks Stung By Bees

Corey Taule Special To Staff writer

State A-1 volleyball

As expected, Coeur d’Alene had little trouble with Highland in the Vikings’ first match of the A-1 state volleyball tournament at Skyline High School on Friday.

However, as predictable as the Vikings’ 15-8, 15-13 win over Highland (13-20) was, so was Coeur d’Alene’s 15-11, 15-12 loss to Bonneville in the second round.

Bonneville, considered the best team in the state, improved to 41-2 while Coeur d’Alene dropped into the losers’ bracket and will play Centennial today at 10 a.m.

“I don’t think we can be too discouraged,” Vikings coach Karla Mitchell said. “We’ve got to let go of it.”

The Vikings jumped out to a quick start against Bonneville and led 4-1 in the first game.

However, the Bees rode the hot hand of outside hitter Gina Albiston to a first-game win.

Bonneville coach Dave Albiston said his team’s game plan was predicated on avoiding the Viks’ 6-foot-2 senior Angie Shirley. “I came out and watched their earlier match and picked up on a few weaknesses,” Albinston said. “We stayed out of the middle and kept it outside.”

The Viks stayed close in the first game behind the play of Jessica Janke, who converted a number of big points.

However, Bonneville broke a 12-12 tie and never looked back. In game two, CdA never held the lead.

While the Bonneville match was a stomach-churner, the Highland match was anything but.

The Rams, who beat Eagle in a playoff game to get in the state tournament, never threatened.