THE FRONT ROW with JASON ELLIOTT: Stick with what works for now

Jason Elliott is a sports writer for The Press.

"A LITTLE closer to Coeur d'Alene, North Idaho College will host the East Bracket of the Northwest Athletic Conference Championships, beginning with a match against Everett, the fourth seed from the North Region, today at 1 p.m.

NIC — hosting for the second straight year — is 28-1 and holds a 22-match win streak entering play today.

Last Friday, it was sophomore outside hitters Gracie Keisel (15 kills) and Rachael Stacey (11 kills) leading the way on the attack. 

"Those girls came out with some really big swings and were hitting some great shots," said first-year NIC coach Brittany Tilleman, who played for the Cardinals from 2014 to 2016, when the program was still a member of the NJCAA. "Our defense was spectacular as well."

Tilleman — a setter at NIC and later Montana — also credited freshman setter Karolyne Wolfgramm from West Valley City, Utah, for keeping things going on the court.

"Karolyne really keeps our team focused and motivated to play hard," Tilleman said. "She's that kind of tough, grind kid that does whatever it takes to win a game or drill in practice. Whatever it is, she does it. She's been a great leader and knows where to put the ball and keep everyone involved in the offense."

The championship match is scheduled for Sunday at Christianson Gymnasium at 10 a.m., with the second-place match to start 90 minutes later.

With local products Brooklyn Minden and Rylee Hartwig from Post Falls High on the court, chances are the Cardinals will have a bit of a strong fan base, no matter when and where they're playing."

To view the full article, please visit the CDA Press at this link.

Click here to view full details on the NWAC Regional Volleyball Tournament.