Cards can’t keep up with Spokane; fall in four sets

The NIC volleyball team fell to Community Colleges of Spokane in four sets at Christianson Gymnasium Wednesday night.

In a battle for the top spot in the East Region, the Cards couldn’t get it done against arch-rival, and still undefeated, Spokane. The two teams held the top two spots in the NWAC Coaches’ Poll entering the game.

Spokane took the lead off the bat, winning the first set 25-18. NIC met the Bigfoot with a 26-24 win in an exhilarating second set. The Cards couldn’t keep up though when Spokane took the next two sets. Spokane won the third and fourth sets by scores of 25-8 and 25-20, respectively. The Cardinal’s comeback attempt in the fourth set fell short and left the NIC volleyball winless against Spokane in two tries this season. Coach Stanley looked for the positives in the tough loss.

“I’ve seen us win one game, and the next lose by 16,” Stanley said. “We’ve got to find consistency and how to play together. After these losses, the girls aren’t happy. But we hope, that after each match and practice that they’re learning.”

With Hailey Templeton out for an injury, the Cardinals were forced to adjust, going with Chloe Knudson as the primary setter. Coach Stanley saw the struggle in the adjustment and hopes that the team can better deal with the adversity down the road. On the bright side, Kaitlyn Hunter played an impressive game, seemingly coming up with clutch blocks time and time again, and was the main component of the Cardinal’s impressive second set win.

With the loss, the Cards fell to 5-2 in conference play, and to 17-8 overall. Spokane kept its undefeated season alive, improving to 25-0 overall.

NIC will take to the road this Friday to face the Yaks from Yakima Valley. They will play Spokane again on the Oct. 24 and revenge will be on their minds when they travel to meet the Bigfoot later this month.