Last night was full of emotion. 

The Lakeland Hawks(8-6) volleyball team faced the Moscow Bears(8-8) in Rathdrum, Idaho, for the 4A district game. The Hawks fell to the Bears in the fifth set with a final score of 25-22.

This final score sealed Moscow’s way to the state tournament while, unfortunately, ending the season for Lakeland. 

(Last, the same thing happened)

When asked to reflect on the main struggle of the game, Landree Simon said, “We didn’t talk enough. Our communication wasn’t there.” 

Early on, things looked promising for the Hawks. Many rallies kept fans on the edge of their seats. Layla Benson had a big first set, helping Lakeland to rack up points. They remained ahead for the majority of the game due to kills. At the end of the first set, Moscow made a comeback, but it wasn’t enough, as the Hawks won by three points. 

Addy Hocking said, “Our defense performed really well, along with hitting. Kenna specifically played amazing.” 

The Bears came back stronger in the second set. They maintained the lead early on and kept it. Despite Lakeland’s front row doing their job of blocking and numerous kills by Ziya Munyer and Kenna Simon, they fell short. 

Lakeland and Moscow battle through the following sets. Once again, Benson, Munyer, and Simon assist the team in winning the third set. 

In the fourth and fifth, the Hawks begin to fall. Moscow gained most of their points off kills that their opponent struggled to read. The road to State ended for Lakeland with a final score of 15-11. 

Lakeland barely lost to Moscow two years in a row, giving them even more motivation from now on.

Several players now have winter and spring sports to look forward to for this year and years to come. The seniors, though, won’t be returning to the team as this was their final season. 

“I’ll either be choosing between club volleyball or basketball, and I’m playing basketball for the school. At the end of the year, I’ll do track,” said Simon. 

The Hawks are already ready to return next season, hoping to make a run in the tournament.