Tilleman, a Lake City High graduate who helped the Cardinals finish fifth in the NJCAA Tournament in 2015, has guided the team to a 30-1 record entering the Elite 8 of the conference tournament on Friday against Bellevue at 2 p.m. at Pierce College in Lakewood, Wash.
Freshman Gracie Keisel from Mapleton, Utah, had 17 kills and 17 digs, sophomore Rachael Stacey of Helena, Mont., 15 kills and 18 digs for NIC (30-1), which faces the North No. 2 Bellevue (28-5) on Friday at 2 p.m.
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.