Clearwater finds Olympians swimming

The 40th Bend Clearwater Classic on Saturday went to Sprague, which won six matches without dropping a set, including a sweep of South Salem in the championship match, one of five teams to defeat the Olympians earlier.

Sprague defeated Thurston, Caldera and West Albany in pool play to advance to the eight-team Gold Bracket as the top seed, then overcame the loss of OH Khloe Livingston (ankle) early in the second set of the quarterfinals over Bend to sweep. A semifinal sweep of West Linn followed before Anne Olsen’s team finished off South Salem for the title.

Evie Morrissette, Brooke Friesen and Amari Young had huge days in all areas to propel Sprague to the win. The Olympians also had terrific relief work from freshmen Eliza Lohrman and Valen Longacre.

“I am incredibly proud of this team for pulling together to win out the day like we did,” Olsen said. 

Marshfield kicks booty

The Marshfield Pirates won their own invitational for the third straight year on Saturday. The Pirates, who are ranked No. 1 in the most recent coaches polls and by the OSAA computerized-ranking system, defeated Mazama, Douglas and North Bend in bracket play to wrap up the title.

The win over North Bend was the second in five days over Marshfield’s fiercest rival. The first came on Senior Night, when the Pirates honored four seniors, who happen to all be cousins.

Marshfield capped its incredible week by getting 25 kills from senior Tatum Montiel in a four-set win over Marist Catholic on Monday, the second win this season over the defending 4A state champions. Montiel also was a catalyst in the tournament win, as was senior setter Ava Ainsworth.

Marshfield is 21-2 on the year – its only two losses to 3A favorite Pleasant Hill – despite graduating three impact starters off of last year’s 4A runner-up squad.

“Our younger kids have really stepped up their game and are coming into their own while our seniors have been great leaders and motivators on the court,” said coach Tammie Montiel. “I think one of the biggest things is that they are all truly each other’s biggest fans.”

Eagles soar to impressive 3A wins

Westside Christian was 13-8 last year with almost an entirely underclass team. The 2024 Eagles were expected to be better but how much better? They answered that question emphatically on Friday with a sweep of a Dayton team that entered Friday’s play with just one loss on the season, and a 3-1 win over previously-undefeated and top-ranked Pleasant Hill. Junior OH Samantha Shepard shined in the win over the Billies.

“Each of the wins on Friday was another great step as a team,” said Westside coach Kristina Thom. “We have been committed to being learners in the good AND the bad. We really don’t want to waste anything this season. This team is too special, and as sappy as it sounds, we are treasuring it all. Everything is an opportunity if we can battle for our minds and hearts to see it that way (There is a big God factor in that for us). This group of young women have incredible strength in character and heart and they are a collective force. When you look at the win against PH specifically you see the grit and determination that are a result of choosing to learn with grace for each other and ourselves over and over again. I have never coached a perfect match and these plays have never played one. It’s all grace. These 12 young women are choosing to be game changers no matter their position and that will continue to give us a great depth to call on.”

Undefeateds

Pleasant Hill’s loss means that only South Albany, which swept rival West Albany last Thursday, remains unbeaten in Oregon.

Kaela Wehrman, the head coach at South Albany (20-0), said the core group of experienced returning players paired with how well the team came together over the summer made it apparent to her that the RedHawks could be on the verge of a special season.

“We knew early on looking at our schedule that we would compete against top competition in the state both at tournaments and in our league,” she explained. “We decided to just lean into the excitement and the competition.”

“The biggest key to our success so far is the diligent work we do during practice and before games, both on and off the court, “ Wehrman continued. “We haven't reached a point where we aren't striving for more: to compete, to grow, to get better, to play the game we love. We just focus on that short term ‘what is right in front of us’ mentality; that next match, next set, next point focus.” 

Then and now

With the regular season finishing up, let’s look at the top five teams in each classification, as predicted by the coaches in the pre-season polls as compared to the top five in the current OSAA computerized ratings.

6A

Pre-season

1. Jesuit

2. Oregon City

T-3. Nelson

T-3. Sprague

5. Sheldon

OSAA computer ranking

1. Jesuit

2. Oregon City

3. Sprague

4. Nelson

5. Grant

5A

Pre-season

1. Crescent Valley

2. Bend

3. Crater

4. South Albany

5. Wilsonville

OSAA computer ranking

1. South Albany

2. Crescent Valley

3. Churchill

4. Wilsonville

5. Crater

4A

Pre-season

1. Marist Catholic

2. Cascade

3. Marshfield

4. North Bend

5. Crook County

OSAA computer ranking

1. Marshfield

2. Marist Catholic

3. Crook County

4. Pendleton

5. North Bend

3A

Pre-season

1. Pleasant Hill

T-2. Sisters

T-2. Valley Catholic

4. Burns

5. Cascade Christian

OSAA computer ranking

1. Pleasant Hill

2. Valley Catholic

3. Santiam Christian

4. Dayton

5. Westside Christian

2A

Pre-season

1. Portland Christian

2. Western Christian

3. Salem Academy

4. Oakridge

5. Gaston

OSAA computer ranking

1. Crosshill Christian

2. Salem Academy

3. Western Christian

4. Stanfield

5. Trinity Lutheran

1A

Pre-season

1. Crane

2. St. Paul

3. Powder Valley

4. North Douglas

5. Adrian

OSAA computer ranking

1. Crane

2. Umpqua Valley Christian

3. Union

4. St. Paul

5. North Douglas

Every pre-season No. 1 team is no worse than No. 2 in the computer rankings, except for Portland Christian. But, if I may be so bold, the computer is Royally wrong about PC, which is currently No. 8 in 2A despite its 17-3 record. The defending 2A state champions have lost just twice to in-state teams, once to Salem Academy and once to Clatskanie, a team the Royals also have defeated.

News and notes

Crosshill Christian added three sweeps to its ledger in the past week and currently boasts a 23-match unbeaten streak, the longest in the state across all classifications.

“It has been a whole team effort and these girls have proven themselves to be such fighters, loving the game, playing well, and loving each other,” said coach Julie Bennett.

 ***

Cascade Christian snapped Santiam Christian’s 10-match winning streak on Saturday with a 3-2 win in a non-league match. The Challengers used a balanced attack, led by Poppy Freeman’s 25 kills; and solid serving to score the upset. Izzy McCauley added 14 kills and four aces.

Mighty Mites

We asked coaches this week to tell us about their “Mighty Mites.”

A Mighty Mite is a six-rotation or front row player who stands 5-6 or shorter and is making major contributions to her team this year. She is not a three-rotation setter or just a back row contributor.

Lindsey Arritola, 5-4 Jr. OH, Blanchet Catholic – A three-year starter, Arritola plays bigger than her height. She leads the 11-9 Cavaliers in kills (115), digs (182), aces (28) and serve receive passing (2.1).

Addy Hall, 5-5 Soph. OH/S – The TigerScots are 17-9 in large part because of Hall, their “go all out” player who is all over the court. She has a cannon for an arm that has helped account for 145 kills and 26 aces and she’s a great teammate who helps out to the tune of 305 assists and 280 digs.

Asantti Hordofa, 5-5 Soph. S, Portland Adventist Academy – Hordofa has become the orchestrator of the Cougar offense in 2024. She currently has 202 assists, 76 aces, 150 digs and 31 kills.

Kaytlin Johnson, 5-3 Jr. S, Coquille – Johnson sets in all six rotations for the 14-3 Red Devils and has used her 22-inch vertical leap to register eight solo blocks this season.

Cara Lee, 5-2 Jr. OH, Portland Adventist Academy – Lee is the most consistent hitter and server on the Cougar team, as well as a defensive presence who has amassed 141 digs. “Her constant smile and great attitude help to uplift her team,” said coach Sean Lee.

Amyah Miranda, 5-4 Jr. RS, Cascade – Miranda plays like she is 6-0 tall. “She is a little beast out on the court and demands the ball,” noted coach Cristina Williams. “She is one of the most aggressive players I have the pleasure to coach.”  

Ella Nieskins, 5-5 Jr. OH, Vale – Nieskins loves to compete and plays like someone several inches taller. Last weekend, in the Vikings’ final three league matches, she totaled 35 kills, including 17 in one match.

Kamryn Sande, 5-6 Sr. OH, Cascade – A six-rotation starter since her sophomore year, Sande contributes in all phases for the 10-7 Cougars and is a huge asset to her team. She sets the standard in kills and digs, is second in aces and is one of the best passers on the team, averaging 2.33 (with 3 being perfect).

Sophia Saso, 5-4 Fr. OH, Seaside – Saso is exceptional in the back row and Seaside relies on her passing and defense to anchor the squad. She also, however, is a smart hitter who avoids the block and knows where to place the ball.

Samantha Shepard, 5-5 Jr. OH, Westside Christian – The team leader in aces for the season, Shepard recently delivered 14 kills, nine digs and four aces as Westside took down previously-unbeaten Pleasant Hill. “Sam soars and swings big for our team,” noted coach Kristina Thom. “It is amazing to watch such strength come from such a petite frame, but not at all surprising because she is all heart!”

Sari Strinz, 5-4 Soph. OH, Sutherlin – Strinz is not only a super strong outside hitter, she is often the team leader in digs as well. “She is dominant with her serving and just a very well rounded volleyball player,” said coach Kimberly LeFevre. 

Addison Symington, 5-6 Jr. RS, Salem Academy – Symington is a versatile player who consistently contributes on both sides of the ball. With two dominant outside hitters, she still plays a key role in Salem Academy’s offensive attack while delivering outstanding defense. “Her ability to get her hands on hits helps our back-row players, and when she’s in the back row, she does a great job at digging and keeping the play alive,” said assistant coach Karri Bauldree.

Jocelyn Tarabochia, 5-2 Jr. OH, Knappa – Tarabochia was a libero last season for the Loggers, but plays six rotations in 2024. She makes up for her lack of ideal height with bounce.

Single-match stat stars

We have been asking coaches on our bulk email list to help compile a 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

54 – Abby Maulding, 5-9 Jr. S, La Salle Prep (5A) – Sept. 12 versus Canby

25 or more kills in a match

37 -- Josie Essner, 5-10 Sr. MB, Monroe (2A) – Sept. 14 versus Lowell

36 – Emma Brewer, 6-1 Jr. OH, Salem Academy (2A) – Oct. 9 versus Santiam

35 -- Avery Herber, 6-2 Soph. OH, Western Christian (2A) – Sept. 5 versus Crosshill Christian 

34 – Ada Bernard, 5-9 Jr. OH, St. Mary’s School, Medford (3A) – Sept. 19 versus Lakeview

32 -- Mayenabasi Akpan, 6-3 Jr. OH/MB, South Medford (6A) – Sept. 4 versus Foothill (Palo Cedro)

31 – Tatum Montiel, 5-11 Sr. OH, Marshfield (4A) – Oct. 3 versus Marist Catholic

30 – Audra Rose, 6-3 Sr. MB, St. Paul (1A) – Aug. 31 versus Culver

29 -- Josie Essner, 5-10 Sr. MB, Monroe (2A) – Oct. 1 versus East Linn Christian Acad.

29 -- Mayenabasi Akpan, 6-3 Jr. OH/MB, South Medford (6A) – Sept. 17 versus Roseburg

28 – Tatum Montiel, 5-11 Sr. Oh, Marshfield (4A) – Aug. 30 versus Cascade

28 – Audra Rose, 6-3 Sr. MB, St. Paul (1A) – Oct. 1 versus Perrydale

28 -- Joya Euhus, 6-1 Sr, OH, Santiam Christian (3A) -- Sept 24 vs. Dayton

28 – Ada Bernard, 5-9 Jr. OH, St. Mary’s School, Medford (3A) – Oct. 15 versus Cascade Christian

28 – Holli Vigue, 5-9 Sr. RS, Coquille – Oct. 10 versus Douglas

27 -- Akylah Kaino, 6-1 Sr. OH, Burns (3A) – Sept. 10 versus Pendleton

27 -- Mayenabasi Akpan, 6-3 Jr. OH/MB, South Medford (6A) – Sept. 4 versus Chico

27 – Holli Vigue, 5-9 Sr. RS, Coquille – Sept. 24 versus Douglas

27 -- Mayenabasi Akpan, 6-3 Jr. OH/MB, South Medford (6A) – Sept. 19 versus Sheldon

27 – Ada Bernard, 5-9 Jr. OH, St. Mary’s School, Medford (3A) – Oct. 3 versus North Valley

27 – Tatum Montiel, 5-11 Sr. Oh, Marshfield (4A) – Oct. 17 versus Cottage Grove

26 – Hayley Schaaf, 6-3 Jr. MB, Catlin Gabel (3A) – Sept. 7 versus Amity

26 – Audra Rose, 6-3 Sr. MB, St. Paul (1A) – Aug. 30 versus Central Christian

26 – Allison Waechter, 6-0 Jr. OH, Sutherlin (3A) – Sept. 12 versus Harrisburg

26 – Josie Essner, 5-10 Sr. MB, Monroe (2A) – Sept. 7 versus Oakridge

25 – Poppy Freeman, 5-11 Sr. OH, Cascade Christian (3A) – Oct. 19 versus Santiam Christian

25 -- Josie Essner, 5-10 Sr. MB, Monroe (2A) – Oct. 16 versus East Linn Christian Acad.

25 – Tatum Montiel, 5-11 Sr. Oh, Marshfield (4A) – Oct. 21 versus Marist Catholic

30 or more digs in a match

36 -- Lainie Bateman, 5-7 Sr. S, Monroe (2A) – Sept. 14 versus Lowell

36 -- Kylie Kramer, 5-4 Sr. libero, Weston-McEwen (2A) – Oct. 11 versus Heppner

35 -- Kylie Kramer, 5-4 Sr. libero, Weston-McEwen (2A) – Oct. 7 versus Stanfield

34 -- Lindsey Arritola, 5-4 Jr. OH, Blanchet Catholic (3A) – Sept. 5 versus Scio

33 -- Addy Hall, 5-5 Soph. OH/S, Weston-McEwen (2A) – Oct. 11 versus Heppner

31 -- Coley Gibbs, 5-7 Jr. OH, Pilot Rock / Ukiah (1A) – Sept. 21 versus Cove

30 -- Nadia Gremar, 5-6 Jr. OH, Knappa (2A) – Sept. 10 versus Vernonia

30 – Tatum Montiel, 5-11 Sr. OH, Marshfield (4A) – Oct. 3 versus Marist Catholic

8 or more blocks in a match

10 – Ryland Minnick, 6-1 Jr. MB, Crosshill Christian (2A) – Sept. 17 versus Amity

9 – Lydia Grassman, 5-10 Jr. OH, Franklin (6A) – Sept. 3 versus Liberty

9 – Braeli Martin, 6-0 Sr. MB, West Salem (6A) – Sept. 3 versus South Salem

8 – Audra Rose, 6-3 Sr. MB, St. Paul (1A) – Aug. 30 versus Central Christian

8 – Addyson Clark, 5-11 Sr. MB, Sutherlin (3A) – Sept. 12 versus Harrisburg

8 -- Brielle Ward, 5-10 Jr. MB, Weston-McEwen (2A) – Oct. 11 versus Heppner

8 -- Brielle Ward, 5-10 Jr. MB, Weston-McEwen (2A) – Oct. 13 versus Union

10 or more aces in a match

16 – Jordyn Copeland, 5-10 Fr. OH, Salem Academy (2A) – Oct. 15 versus Colton

14 – Catherine Chang, 5-7 RS/S, Westview (6A) – Sept. 12 versus Aloha

14 – Anna Davis, 5-10 Soph. MB, Creswell (3A) -- Oct. 1 versus Harrisburg

13 – Bella Slattum, 5-8 Sr. S, West Salem (6A) – Sept. 5 versus North Salem

13 -- Annie Cavazos, 5-6 Fr. S, St. Paul (1A) – Oct. 14 versus Jewell

12 -- Josey Edwards, 5-10 Sr. OH, St. Paul (1A) -- Oct. 8 versus Falls City / Kings Valley Charter

11 -- Sienna Meza, 5-8 Fr. MB, St. Paul (1A) -- Oct. 8 versus Falls City / Kings Valley Charter

11 -- Callie Turner, 5-4 Sr. S, Century (6A) – Sept. 12 versus Liberty

11 – Helen Schmitz, 5-7 Sr. libero, Silverton (5A) – Oct. 3 versus McKay

11 -- Callie Turner, 5-4 Sr. S, Century (6A) – Sept. 3 versus Southridge

11 – Alyssa Baird, 5-11 Sr. Oh, Portland Christian (2A) – Sept. 19 versus Gaston

11 -- Josie Essner, 5-10 Sr. MB, Monroe (2A) – Oct. 15 versus Toledo

11 – Sierra Poush, 5-10 Jr. OH, Crosshill Christian (2A) – Oct. 18 versus Toledo

10 – Irene Rocha Ibarra, 5-8 Jr. S, Cascade (4A) – Sept. 26 versus North Marion

10 – Addison Herber, 6-1 Soph. MB, Western Christian (2A) – Sept. 26 versus Delphian

10 -- Avery Herber, 6-2 Soph. OH, Western Christian (2A) -- October 10 versus Regis

10 - Jenna Pavlatos, 5-4 Fr. S, Valor Christian (1A) - Sept. 24 versus Grandview Christian Academy

10 -- Coley Gibbs, 5-7 Jr. OH, Pilot Rock / Ukiah – Oct. 2 versus Nixyaawii

10 -- Addison Herber, 6-1 Soph. MB, Western Christian (2A) -- Oct 15 versus Gervais

Coaches may email [email protected] to add to the list at any time. Please replicate the format seen above.

College-Bound!

In this space, we list those players, in the current senior class and younger, who have made a commitment to attend a college or university of their choice and play volleyball.

Here’s who we have so far. We will add to this list in subsequent notebooks as we receive notifications.

Ava Ainsworth, 6-1 Sr. S, Marshfield – Western Oregon University

Addy Azavedo, 5-7 Sr. libero, Jesuit -- Washington

Madi Andrews, 6-1 Jr. OH, Nelson – Michigan State

Taelyn Bentley, 5-11 Sr. MB, South Albany – South Florida

Mylee Blake, 6-1 Sr. OH, West Albany -- Montana

Emma Brewer, 6-0 Jr. OH, Salem Academy – University of San Diego

Katie Brewer, 6-1 Sr. MB, Centennial - Portland State

Jackie Carle, 5-7 Sr. S/DS, Jesuit – Washington State

Jojo Christiansen, 5-9 Sr. OH, Westside Christian – Corban University (Beach)

Emma Comer, 5-4 Sr. libero, Oregon City – Eastern Oregon University

Giana Elgarico, 5-11 Sr. OH Marist Catholic – University of Oregon

Joya Euhus, 6-1 Sr. OH, Santiam Christian -- Houston Christian University

Emma Fauth, 6-0 Sr. OH, Wilsonville – Humboldt State

Cheyenne Green, 6-1 Sr. OH, Pleasant Hill – Oregon State

Bailey Henderson, 5-4 Sr. libero, Century -- Pacific University

Hayden McGehee, 5-7 Sr. S, Jesuit – Belmont

Kamden Mitchell, 5-10 Sr. S, Crescent Valley -- University of Oregon

Evie Morrissette, 6-0 Sr. S, Sprague – Seattle University

Julia Paulson, 5-8 Sr. DS, Jesuit – University of the Pacific (Beach)

Audra Rose, 6-2 Sr. MB, St. Paul – Seattle Pacific University

Avalynn Roundy, 6-2 Sr. MB, Marist Catholic -- Grand Canyon University

Hayley Schaaf, 6-3 Jr. MB, Catlin Gabel -- Northwestern

Helen Schmitz, 5-7 Sr. libero, Silverton – Pacific University

Shaylee Swartzendruber, 5-8 Sr. OH, Roseburg -- University of New Orleans (Beach) 

Steel Sinai, 6-4 Sr. MB, Westview -- Temple University 

Paige Thies, 6-2 Sr. OH, Oregon City -- University of Arizona

Callie Winebarger, 5-7 Sr. S, Crook County – MidAmerica Nazarene University (Kansas)

Email [email protected] to add commitments to the list. Please replicate the format you see above.