“After the match, I hugged each girl and told them you’ve got to be proud of the season we had,” first-year NIC coach Brittany Tilleman said. “We played with so much trust and energy when we’re on. Our practices help us compete for moments like this. It’s always been us against us. To do it against a team like that, we just weren’t prepared for that. Our season was a complete team effort and everyone involved. I’m sad to see the sophomores go, but I’m proud of them.”
Rachael Stacey, a sophomore outside hitter from Helena, Mont., had 16 kills and 11 digs, sophomore Abigail Beaton of Pasco, Wash., 13 kills and sophomore Rylee Hartwig of Post Falls 11 kills and four digs for NIC (31-1), which advanced to face Yakima Valley in the semifinals today at 2 p.m.
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.
Sophomore Brooke Minden had 15 digs, freshman Morgan Claus eight kills and nine digs, freshman Karolyne Wolfgramm 33 assists and nine digs and sophomore Rylee Hartwig six kills and four digs for NIC (19-1, 7-0 NWAC), which hosts Treasure Valley next Wednesday.