Can’t pass over ‘Saders
An early-September loss to Sprague had folks wondering whether Jesuit would be formidable once again this year. After all, Teresa Zimmerlee’s team graduated its top hitters and had its perfect season ruined in the 6A state championship match by Sheldon.
Well, there’s no need to worry. Jesuit is now 22-1 on the year and riding an 18-match winning streak after capturing the West Linn Tournament on Saturday. It is the Crusaders’ second tourney title over three weeks to go along with the South Albany State Preview.
“We are pleased with the progress of this team!” Zimmerlee said. “They come to practice and matches every day to get better. Our transition work and blocking has improved by leaps and bounds.”
Seniors Lilly Lansing, Emma Williams and Tiana Takayama have done a terrific job of mentoring the younger players on the team, the serve-receive has been stellar thanks to Takayama and Addy Azavedo. And the trio of Lansing, Williams and sophomore Sadie Ross have led the offense.
“We have a talented pool of sophomores that get better every game,” said Zimmerman. “Sloan Hefeneider has stepped in to set and hasn’t missed a beat.”
Jesuit won the title Saturday by defeating Valley Catholic, Crescent Valley, West Linn and Nelson in succession. Nelson had previously defeated Central Catholic and Sprague.
“This team never quits, whether we have a comfortable lead or are we are getting challenged,” said Zimmerlee. “This is a team that is 14 strong, and they are willing to work hard to get better and they thrive on the competition.”
Defending 5A champion Crescent Valley got a second shot versus Jesuit at West Linn and, again, came up wanting. The Raiders dominated the second set, 25-12, to force a winner-take-all third, but fell to the Crusaders, 15-13.
“We were very close to knocking them off, leading in the third set, 13-12, and then gave up three straight points for the loss,” said coach Troy Shorey.
OH Bella Jacobsen had a terrific tourney for CV, registering 39 kills and 16 aces. MB Taelyn Bentley also shined, contributing 25 kills, 11 blocks and eight aces. Setter Kamden Mitchell (64 assists; nine kills) and libero Dani Street (47 digs; six aces) also showed their mettle for the Raiders.
Marist Catholic brings “A” Game to Seaside
Marist Catholic won the Seaside Volleyball Tournament on Saturday, defeating Corbett in the championship match.
“Our team played really well all day and our offense came from multiple players,” said coach Shari Pimental.
Giana Elgarico led the team in kills with 40 for the day and Avy Roundy had 30.
“It was a great team win some amazing defensive plays,” Pimental added.
News and notes
We noted last week that Centennial, 5-17 a year ago, was 12-5 so far this fall. The Eagles are now 13-5 behind two junior standouts, setter Brooklyn Boyd and middle Katie Brewer. Coach Michael Wohler listed four reasons for the turnaround:
*Experienced returners
*Hard work
*Leadership
*Committed coaches.
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Burns won the Creswell Tournament two Saturdays ago, overcoming the adversity of losing start senior OH Mackenzie King in the quarterfinals due to an injury. King had been averaging five kills per set in pool play before she was sidelined.
The Hilanders regrouped and pushed through to win in a hard fought battle in the championship against host Creswell. Ashley Wright came up with 18 assists and four aces Akylah Kaino had 19 kills in the championship match. Bailey Temple, Chloe Rothwell and Danye Runnels played tough on defense to contribute to the intense win.
***
Mirra Riddle, North Bend’s senior libero, had 30 digs in the Bulldogs’ five-set win over Cottage Grove on Monday.
“She is the anchor to our defense and has worked tremendously hard this season,” said coach Summer Sawyer. “She is a leader on the court and reads the opposing offense so well!”
Unsung Heroes
We asked coaches this week to tell us about their team’s “unsung hero.” An unsung hero is a player who probably does not start or, if she does, is not one who fills the stat sheet, but is integral to team success for any number of myriad reasons.
Here is what we received:
Eleni Adams, 5-5 Sr. S/DS, Summit – Described by her coach as “an all-around gem,” Adams is hard working, attentive and willing to fulfill any role. “Her constant efforts on and off the court result in a multi-faced teammate and athlete that is nothing but supportive to her team no matter what role she takes on any given day - and she always does it with a smile,” said coach Emily McMahon. “Her effortless consistent engagement is nothing shy of the definition of coachable, which makes her a role model for our Storm program.”
Sylvie Berry, 5-5 Jr. DS, Willamina -- Berry brings energy at the beginning of each match for a "circle high five" to each of the starters. She is the key person for back-row communication and leads the team with 101 passes that have led to offensive kills. She also has the leading serve percentage average and has missed just two serves all season.
Maija Casey, 5-4 Sr. S/DS, Sherwood – Casey assumed a DS role this year and brings positive energy to a strong team every time she steps on the court. “Maija has been a big force from the serving line, consistently getting on long serving runs,” noted coach Jenette Brotnov.
Najiah Knight, 5-3 Jr. Utility, Ione / Arlington – Knight does not start but she plays a key role in every match. She has been a defensive specialist, setter, outside, middle blocker -- she has played every position at some point this season. “I know that if I need someone to fill a role, I can count on her to go in and do the job,” said coach Dawn Eynetich.
Alyssa Lewey, 6-1 Sr. S, Sheldon – Lewey earned the starting setter position as a senior and was doing a great job for the defending champion Irish, when she broke her fibula in early September. “Not knowing how long she would be out for, she became our other setter’s biggest support,” said coach Martine Wodke. Lewey was still voted captain, despite her injury, and made huge impacts in practice and games with supporting her teammates. She was released last week to begin play once again. “We are all super happy for her quick healing and she is ready to lead her team back on the court,” Wodke said. “Alyssa is a special kind of player. She puts others first, leads by example, and supports her teammates in ways they are unaware of. I am super proud of her resilience and positive attitude during her injury.”
Analise McCord, 5-9 Jr. MB, Marshfield – McCord is the only current starter who did not start when the Pirates won the 4A state title last November. She has jumped into the role at middle blocker and has not missed a step. “As an undersized middle, she jumps well, has long arms and blocks a lot of balls, plus her attacking and net play is getting stronger with each match we play,” said coach Tammie Montiel.
Sidney Mullen, 5-3 Sr. DS/S, Rogue River – Described as a “coach’s dream,” Mullen is coachable, versatile and just loves to play. “She has played every single position at least once in her high school career because no matter where I put her, she goes out and gives it her all with a great attitude,” said coach Sarah Wicks.
Leslie Osorio-Martinez, 5-3 Sr. DS, Putnam – A super utility player, the senior is always willing to play any position without hesitation. “Her positive attitude and her unwavering support for her teammates is what makes her our team’s unsung hero!” said coach Jasmine Varela.
Chase Sullivan, 5-6 Jr. RS, Salem Academy – Sullivan brings the energy and joy to every match, said coach Melissa Holman. “Our team wouldn’t be as successful without her,” Holman added. “With every cheer she carries her team!”
McKenzie Ward, 5-4 Soph. DS/RS, New Hope Christian – Affectionately called “Scott,” Ward is always loud, positive, and encouraging. “She is like bringing a one-man cheerleading squad to every game,” noted coach Bianca Lyon. “She even brings pompoms sometimes! She never stops encouraging her teammates from the bench and is always ready to go into the game when asked.”
Surprising Seniors!
We asked coaches last week to tell us about their team’s “surprising senior.” A surprising senior is one who did not start on varsity before her senior year and is now a standout contributor. Here are a couple more who came in after the deadline:
Jaelle Fischer, 5-7 MB, Spray / Mitchell / Wheeler – Fischer came out for volleyball again after a two-year hiatus and her effort is contagious. She has been a standout and is one her teammates rely on.
Alexis Percy, 5-2 DS, Cascade – Percy played sparingly a year ago, but earned her back row spot this year and has been averaging 10 digs per match while passing at a 2.3 clip. “She has the most uplifting attitude and makes it light out there on the court for the other girls,” said coach Cristina Williams. “She is able to serve anywhere on the court and has been a joy to coach this year!”
Taylor Towell, 5-6 OH, Spray / Mitchell / Wheeler – Towell is a team captain with a soft spot for her teammates. An outstanding server, coach Crystal Rey calls Towell the “big heart on the team.”
Fabulous Freshmen
Here is one more addition to the list of “terrific tots” we’ve run the past two weeks:
Bri Jones, 5-8 MB, Oakridge – A fast learner who adjusts, adapts and improves with ever practice and game, coach Alison Williams said “the combination of her ability, drive and positive attitude has not only made her one of our leaders in blocks and kills, but an integral part of our team.”
Stat stars
Coaches on our bulk email list continue to add to our list of astounding single-game statistical achievements! We will keep a running tally of players who stat at these levels for a single match:
50 assists or more in a match
25 kills or more in a match
30 digs or more in a match
8 blocks or more in a match
10 aces or more in a match
Here’s what we have so far…
50 or more assists in a match
53 – Julia Slaughter, 5-11 Soph. S, South Medford – Oct. 10 versus South Eugene
50 -- Ashley Wright, 5-8 Sr. S, Burns – Sept. 5 versus Lakeview
25 or more kills in a match
46 – Emma Brewer, 6-1 Sop. OH, Salem Academy – Sept. 28 versus Western Christian
39 -- Akylah Kaino, 5-11 Jr. OH, Burns – Sept. 5 versus Lakeview
29 -- Chloe LeLuge, 6-3 Sr. OH/MB – Sept. 26 versus Ridgeview
28 -- Akylah Kaino, 5-11 Jr. OH, Burns – Aug. 31 versus Sisters
28 – Mayenabasi Akpan, 6-2 Soph. MB, South Medford – Oct. 10 versus South Eugene
28 – Mayenabasi Akpan, 6-2 Soph. MB, South Medford – Oct. 5 versus Grants Pass
27 – Madi Andrews, 6-0 Soph. OH, Nelson – Sept. 19 versus David Douglas
27 -- Josie Essner, 5-9 Jr. MB, Monroe – Sept. 25 versus East Linn Christian Acad.
26 -- Chloe LeLuge, 6-3 Sr. OH/MB – Sept. 28 versus Summit
25 – Mayenabasi Akpan, 6-2 Soph. MB, South Medford – Sept. 28 versus Roseburg
25 -- Natalie Baker, 5-7 Jr. MB, Clatskanie – Sept. 30 versus Gaston
25 -- Akylah Kaino, 5-11 Jr. OH, Burns – Oct. 3 versus Grant Union
25 -- Jade Snyder, 5-9 Sr. OH, Oakridge – Aug. 25 versus Gaston
30 or more digs in a match
37 – Coley Gibbs, 5-9 Soph. libero, Pilot Rock – Sept. 1 versus Camas Valley
36 -- Emma Jauregui, 5-3 Sr. libero/S, McKay – Sept. 19 versus Woodburn
36 -- Jaxynn Thurmond, 5-10 Sr. OH, Pilot Rock – Oct. 2 versus Griswold
36 -- Jade Snyder, 5-9 Sr. OH, Oakridge – Aug. 25 versus Gaston
36 -- Mady Lebeck, 5-5 Fr. Libero, Westview – Sept. 21 versus Sunset
32 – Vanessa Keller, 5-3 Soph. RS, Oakridge – Sept. 19 versus Lowell
31 -- Sadie Snyder, 5-7 Sr. OH, Oakridge – Sept. 19 versus Lowell
30 – Coley Gibbs, 5-9 Soph. libero, Pilot Rock – Sept. 2 versus Alsea
30 -- Mirra Riddle, 5-4 Sr. libero, North Bend – Oct. 9 versus Cottage Grove
10 or more aces in a match
18 – Bailey Udey, Soph. OH, South Wasco County – Sept. 23 versus Bickleton
15 – Morgan Milbrett, 5-6 Jr. S, Mapleton – Aug. 25 versus Mannahouse Acad. Eugene
15 – Morgan Milbrett, 5-6 Jr. S, Mapleton – Sept. 21 versus Mannahouse Acad. Eugene
13 – Anabell Udey, Sr. MB, South Wasco County – Sept. 28 versus Lyle / Wishram
13 – Ruby Jackson, 5-10 Jr. MB, Pleasant Hills – Sept. 19 versus Harrisburg
13 – Ali Smith, 5-5 Sr. libero, Pilot Rock – Oct. 6 versus Nixyaawii
12 – Jadyn Daviscourt, 5-6 Sr. libero, Cascade - Sept 21 versus Sweet Home
12 – Jadyn Daviscourt, 5-6 Sr. libero, Cascade - Sept 26 versus Stayton
12 – Bella Oliver, 5-11 Sr. RS, Cascade - Sept 7 versus Molalla
12 – Taylor Donaldson, 6-0 Soph. OH, South Albany – Sept. 26 versus Woodburn
11 – Morgan Milbrett, 5-6 Jr. S, Mapleton – Sept. 27 versus McKenzie
11 – Tayler Brittain, Soph. DS, South Wasco County – Sept. 26 versus Horizon Christian (Hood River)
10 – Mackenzie King, 6-0 Sr. OH, Burns – Aug. 31 versus Sisters
10 – Jocelyn Graham, 5-6 Soph. MB, Burns – Sept. 22 versus Riverside
10 – Jadyn Daviscourt, 5-6 Sr. libero, Cascade - Sept 19 versus Philomath
10 – Peyton Behrens, 5-7 Jr. OH, Dayton – Sept. 19 versus Taft
10 – Ava Mreen, 5-10 Sr. MB, Horizon Christian, Tualatin – Sept. 19 versus De La Salle North Catholic
10 -- Kali Williams, 5-1 Soph. S, Oakridge – Sept. 30 versus Reedsport
Any coaches may email johnt@osaa.org to add to the list at any time.
College-Bound!
In this space, we list those players, playing Oregon high school volleyball in the current senior class and younger, who have made a commitment to attend a college or university of their choice and play volleyball. Please email johnt@osaa.org to add players to the list, using the format you see below.
Aria Birdsong, 5-10 Sr. RS, Sherwood -- Bentley University
Thanvi Chilukuri, 5-11 Sr. OH/RS, Westview -- Carnegie Mellon University
Jadyn Daviscourt, 5-6 Sr. libero, Cascade — Southern Oregon University
Emma Fairbairn, 5-11 Sr. OH, Sheldon -- BIOLA
Whitney Farrell, 5-6 Sr. S, Mountain View -- Redlands University
Sidney Friesen, 5-7 Sr. OH, Sprague – Western Oregon University
Emily Fulton, 5-11 Sr. OH, Sherwood -- Hobart and William Smith
Bridget Gould, 5-11 Sr. RS, Marshfield - University of Oregon
Cheyenne Green, 6-1 Jr. OH, Pleasant Hill – Oregon State
Alexis Haury, 5-10 Sr. S, Silverton – University of Washington
Chloe LeLuge, 6-3 Sr. OH/MB, Bend – Cal Poly SLO
Elizabeth Levick, 6-1 Sr. S/MB, Glencoe – Old Dominion
Lauryn Johnson, 6-1 Sr. OH, West Salem – Arizona State
Malena Mathis, 6-0 Sr. MB, South Salem – Western Oregon University
Zoe Mish, 5-7 Sr. libero, Ida B. Wells -- Hawaii Pacific
Kamden Mitchell, 5-10 Jr. S, Crescent Valley -- University of Oregon
Avalynn Roundy, 6-2 Jr. MB, Marist Catholic -- Grand Canyon University
Paige Thies, 6-2 Jr. OH, Oregon City -- University of Arizona
Gracie Vohs, 5-11 Sr. OH, Sisters – Saint Mary’s College of California
Amber Walker, 6-0 Sr. OH, Tigard -- Sonoma State
Brooke Williams, 6-1 Sr. MB, Oregon City -- Seattle Pacific
johnt@osaa.org
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