Cards win, will host Region 18 volleyball tourney

| October 24, 2010 9:00 PM

VOLLEYBALL

COEUR d'ALENE - Tina Strahinic had 13 kills and four blocks as the sixth-ranked North Idaho Cardinals clinched the top seed to the Region 18 tournaement with a 25-12, 25-18, 25-20 Scenic West Athletic Conference win over Eastern Utah on Saturday at Christianson Gym.

With the win, the Cardinals will host regionals Nov. 5-6.

"We're very excited to be hosting the tournament," NIC coach Colleen Frohlich said. "To be at home and to get a chance to play in front of our home fans, it gives us an advantage."

Kaylee Ponce had 11 kills and 10 digs, Fei Gao had eight kills, Gabriella Rifilato had 19 assists, Brenna Peterson had 15 kills and Esther Timofeyev had four blocks for NIC (22-5, 8-0 SWAC), which travels to Salt Lake on Friday.

"It was a good way to head into the tournament," Frohlich said. "We were in control of our own destiny this week. We got contributions from a lot of different people. If we can continue to distribute like that, we'll be tough to beat."

Eastern Utah falls to 7-14, 2-6.

WOMEN'S SOCCER

Gonzaga club 2

North Idaho 1

SPOKANE - North Idaho College's Demi Wignot scored on an assist from Rachel Crawford in the 11th minute in a loss to the Gonzaga club team.

Allysa Howell and Lauren Gibson had two saves apiece for NIC (10-4-2), which travels to Whatcom Community College of Bellevue, Wash., on Saturday.

First half - 1, GU, Stevie Hamilton (unassisted), 6:00. 2, NIC, Demi Wignot (Rachel Crawford), 11:00. 3, GU, Lauren Bonck (unassisted), 35:00.

Shots on goal - NIC 9, GU 5.

Saves - NIC, Allysa Howell 2, Lauren Gibson 2. GU, Amanda Klasila 4.