The Lakeland Hawks (19-6-1, 6-2) volleyball team has put in countless hours throughout the 2023 season. Each hard-fought game led up to the district championship game on Oct. 19. The pressure was never more intense than a winner-takes-all district championship game against arch-rivals Sandpoint Bulldogs (5-11, 2-4).
After beating the Bulldogs in four sets during the last week of the regular season, the Hawks once again bested Sandpoint in four sets, 25-19, 24-26, 25-15, 25-19.
Considering the two team’s records, the Hawks had favorable odds in this game. Yet, for most players, being a part of a program that has not made state since their state championship season in 2020 made putting the nerves aside difficult.
The Hawks came into the game hoping to make it back to the promised land and compete for another 4A Idaho championship. Both teams fought relentlessly to avoid elimination.
Senior Ziya Munyer had 16 kills with six blocks.
“Since the last time we played Sandpoint, we’ve worked on specific things that will help us dominate on Thursday,” Munyer said regarding the team’s preparation prior to the game.
Furthermore, Lakeland has a number of seniors who could have been potentially playing their final high school game. Winning this game was monumental for the 2023 season.
During the second set, the teams pushed each other’s abilities to the max, forcing every player to lock in and give their all. Rallies were very long, and Lakeland junior Addy Hocking was all over the court, making saves in return for the Bulldog’s hits. The only set that the Hawks lost was the second.
The other three sets went to the Hawks with close margins. Junior Landree Simon had a great game with 21 kills and 19 digs. She also hit the match point, winning the Hawks a spot in state. She had three outside kills to seal the Bulldogs’ fate. Junior Addy Hocking had 35 digs and five aces.
The fast-paced match kept fans on their toes for the entirety of the game. Lakeland students wore pink in support of breast cancer awareness and research. Lakeland’s booster club showed generosity and support by paying for the first 100 students to attend the game for free.
They also provided free pizza and pink attire and swag so the student section could be decked out in spirit. It’s safe to say this was one of the Hawks’ highest-attended volleyball games.
The Hawks volleyball team will play next in the state tournament in Post Falls, Idaho, on Oct. 26-27.
“We will work on becoming even more mentally tough, which will be important because the teams at state are very good,” Munyer said. “We’re excited and ready to play.”
