Inland Empire League Volleyball Preview
Inland Empire
Road to state: The 5A and 4A Region I champs earn state berths and the runners-up can earn state berths by winning a play-in match.
In predicted order of finish:
Lake City Timberwolves
2003 records: 24-12 overall, 6-4 league
Coach: Kent Scanlon
Years coaching: 31st, 11th at LC
Starters, lettermen returning: 4, 5
Key players: Lauren Stern, senior, 5-foot-9, setter; Amy Lawson, sr., 6-0, middle hitter; Kristi Tuntland, sr., 5-11, outside hitter; Renee Bordelon, junior, 5-9, rightside hitter; Dani Ghramm, sr., 5-7, defensive specialist; Lynn Hoppert, jr., 5-7, oh.
Coach’s comments: “We’re going to be strong in a number of positions. The big question mark is consistency. Hopefully, the experience they gained at state last year will answer that.”
Outlook: With the core back of last year’s team that finished third at state, LC has high expectations. The Timberwolves should contend for the league title and the 5A Region I’s top berth to state.
Coeur d’Alene Vikings
2003 records: 19-16, 4-6
Coach: Carly Curtis
Years coaching: 1st
Starters, lettermen returning: 2, 7
Key players: Jenna Griffitts, sr., 5-11, oh; Katie Davidson, sr., 5-5; Jackie Lenz, jr., 5-4, ds; Rachel Moore, jr., 5-11, mh; Jamie Anderson, jr., 5-6, oh; Nicole Duffy, sr., 5-8, rh.
Coach’s comments: “We have a lot better defense this year. With Jenna Griffitts back, we should be able to take it up a notch offensively.”
Outlook: The Vikings will challenge LC for the league title and 5A Region I title. Curtis (Class of 1992) returns to her alma mater.
Moscow Bears
2003 records: 27-7, 7-3
Coach: Aimee Graham
Years coaching: 2nd
Starters, lettermen returning: 3, 7
Key players: Tessa Powell, sr., 5-11, mh; Kelsey Taylor, jr., 6-3, mh; Kelly Scott, jr., 5-11, rh/mh; Meredith Dolny, jr., 5-9, oh; Randi Nelsen, jr., 5-6, oh/ds; Carleigh Jahns, sr., 5-3, s.
Coach’s comments: “We have a very versatile team and a lot of depth. I think our middles will be very strong and open opportunities for our outsides.”
Outlook: The Bears will contend for the league title and are a slight favorite to capture the 4A Region I championship. Moscow’s size will be difficult to defend.
Lakeland Hawks
2003 record: 14-10
Coach: Claudia Ebel
Years coaching: 23rd
Starters, lettermen returning: 5, 8
Key players: Mindy Meyer, sr., 5-6, s; Ashley Beck, sr., 5-8, oh; Cassie Duncan, sr., 5-9, oh; Brigitte Boucher, jr., 5-11, mh; Scarlett Pruitt, jr., 5-5, ds; Danielle Jacobson, jr., 5-11, oh.
Coach’s comments: “We feel comfortable about making the transition (to the IEL). The (Intermountain League) is no stroll in the park. The (IML) has prepared us well.”
Outlook: It doesn’t hurt that Lakeland returns five starters. The Hawks will challenge for as high as second in the 4A regional.
Sandpoint Bulldogs
2003 records: 36-0 (4A state champ), 10-0
Coach: Tiwi (Bond) Nicks
Starters, lettermen returning: 2, 3
Key players: Kelsey James, sr., 6-0, s; Caitlyn Free, sr., 6-2, m; Amy Bradetich, sr., 5-8, rh; Kendal Burt, jr., 6-2, mh; Ketti Wehrle, sr., 6-0, oh.
Coach’s comments: “I’m very honored that they asked me to (coach). I hope to give back to a program that’s been so strong over the years.”
Outlook: The Bulldogs begin the post-Amy Dyck era. Sandpoint won three state titles in four years with Dyck as the starting setter/rightside hitter. Sandpoint will be young, but should be in the mix of things by season’s end.
Lewiston Bengals
2003 records: 12-16, 2-8
Coach: Judy Fong
Years coaching: 2nd
Starters, lettermen returning: 3, 4
Key players: Malisa Larsen, sr., 5-8, s; Mei Fong, sr., 5-10, mh/oh; Sara Dufour, sr., 5-7, oh; Wesli Kalbfleisch, sr., 5-7, oh.
Coach’s comments: “We’re hoping to break through this season. We’re working hard on ball control and pushing to a faster offense.”
Outlook: The Bengals will be much improved, but it may not matter because LC and CdA will be solid. Lewiston must develop a winning attitude.
Post Falls Trojans
2003 records: 7-20, 1-9
Coach: Matt Malone
Years coaching: 1st
Starters, lettermen returning: 3, 4
Key players: Hannah Mundy, jr., 5-9, s/oh; Beth Samuel, soph., 5-8, s/oh; Mackenzie Sinclair, sr., 5-11, mh; Jackie Murinko, jr., 5-9, oh.
Coach’s comments: “They’re hard workers and they’re having to learn a new system. It’s a work in progress. We’re trying to speed up the offense.”
Outlook: It’s a building year for the Trojans. Malone is excited that the nucleus of his team will return next season.