OSAAtoday - Oct. 4 volleyball notebook

Roseburg, after winning the Lakeridge/Lake Oswego Tournament on Saturday

Smelling like a Roseburg

Roseburg (14-4) traveled to PDX on Saturday and captured the Lakeridge/Lake Oswego Tournament.

The team went 5-0 for the day, its first tournament win of 2023 after two second-place Gold Bracket finishes. Mikyla Cunningham, Kaela Klopfenstein and Arlie Aasen were standouts.

“The Lakeridge tournament was big hurdle for Roseburg volleyball,” said coach Lacy Pinard. “I am very proud of our young team this season and the amazing positive attitudes they have.”

Cole guides ‘Slaw to win at Junction City

The Siuslaw Vikings, coached by Ashlee Cole, overcame a pool play loss to Junction City to defeat the host school in the finals of the Junction City Tournament. Siuslaw won all three bracket play matches in straight sets.

Standout players included Rhianna Lane (55 kills; 12 blocks), Meika Shappell (86 digs) and Kimberly Martinez-Munoz (11 kills; 40 digs). Jolee Erickson and Ashley Hennessee teamed for 45 more kills for the 9-5 Vikings.

Forest Grove shows gumption in winning McDaniel Varsity Volleyball Tournament

The Forest Grove Vikings (12-6) defeated the host school, 3-0, to win the McDaniel tournament. Jeff Leo’s team was led by senior Jadyn Punchocar with 35 kills over three matches. Freshman Sydney Chrismer also contributed with 27 kills and sophomore setter Sofie Fox had 80 assists.

Forest Grove concluded its tournament slate with two first place finishes and a runner up showing at the Oregon City tournament a few weeks back.

“This will give the Vikings momentum heading into the end of the season and playoffs,” Leo said.

Red hot RedHawks

South Albany entered its varsity and JV1 teams in parallel events at the Beaverton Tournament on Saturday. Both teams placed first!

The varsity started slowly, dropping its first set of the tournament to North Salem, but got contributions from all 12 on the roster in the eight victorious sets that followed, as no opponent scored more than 16 points in any set

“Our defensive game was a top contributor to our success, led by sophomore libero Maddie Angel,” said coach Kaela Wehrman.

Angel had 36 digs and six aces on the day for South Albany, which also got a combined 66 kills, 44 digs and 14 aces from the sophomore OH duo of Taylor Donaldson and Kaylee Rae Cordle. Klaire Bitter chipped in with 55 assists, 20 digs and five aces from her setter position.

News and notes

McKay is 0-17 on the year, but coach Natalie Dunn and her staff is winning off the court while embracing the challenges that come with having a new team virtually bereft of varsity experience.

“Our entire staff embraced the rebuild and then the players understood the process,” said Dunn, who has 48 players in her program. “It gives an opportunity to place younger players from different squads to participate in the varsity level.

The McKay coaching staff has worked on building skills and providing learning opportunities for each squad, both on the court and off. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), player introductions and announcements are made in Spanish. In August, the entire squad participated in team building skills at the Salem Ropes Course. In October, a Pumpkin Patch visit is planned along with seeing a college volleyball game.

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Last year, 62 girls volleyball teams in Oregon won five or fewer matches. Many of them continue to face challenges in 2023, but there have been success stories. Centennial, 5-17 a year ago, is 12-5 so far this fall. Milwaukie / Milwaukie Academy of the Arts, McMinnville, Regis and Condon, teams that combined to go 12-63 in 2022, are all over .500 this year and a combined 33-26. Those are huge success stories.

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There’s also Western Christian, which played only a JV schedule a year ago and currently is the top-ranked 2A team in the state at 18-1.

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Western Christian recently avenged its only loss of the season by outlasting reigning 2A champion Salem Academy in five sets last Thursday at home. Western previously lost to Salem Academy on the road in four sets on Sept. 14.

Western Christian/Salem Academy has quickly become a spirited Tri-River Conference rivalry, in large part due to the transfer of Lexi Herber, Salem Academy’s starting setter a year ago.

“Many could consider it a rivalry,” said Salem Academy head coach Melissa Holman. “Since the transfer was so close to the beginning of the season it did stir up a lot of emotions. So when we play them, the gyms are PACKED. But there is no bad blood. The energy is high and it’s actually really fun and really good volleyball.”

Surprising Seniors!

We asked coaches this 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.

Madison Hoffmeister, 5-11 MB/RS, Crosshill Christian – Hoffmeister was introduced to the game as a freshman. Her growth in the sport was stalled by a shoulder injury her junior year, which prevented her from hitting or serving. This year her shoulder is better and she is offering up a big block as well as efficient hitting in the rights. “She leads the team with her communication and off-court leadership as co-captain,” said coach Julie Bennett.

Mia Mees, 5-9 MB/RS, Summit – Primarily a backup for the Storm in 2022, Mees has become a force at the net, whether in the middle or on a pin, this fall. She currently is the team leader in blocks and has 35 kills as well. “Beyond stats, it's Mia’s constant upbeat, positive personality that helps our team stay in the game, and more importantly, not sweating the small stuff and having fun,” noted coach Emily McMahon.

Addison Staab, 5-5 DS, Crescent Valley – A role player last season backing up on the outside, Staab has transitioned to fulltime defensive play to prepare for the next level and has been a spark plug in the backrow. “She has shown the ability to make great saves to keep the ball in play and being a solid serve receive player,” said coach Troy Shorey.

Tiana Takayama, 5-0 DS, Jesuit – A great server with terrific placement and someone who consistently passes to target, Takayama has been a welcome addition to the rotation for the 17-1 Crusaders. She passes a 2.0, and averages four digs per set and more than one ace per match. “Tiana can place the ball anywhere on the court when she is serving,” said coach Tereza Zimmerlee. “Her ball has a nice dropping float and she can serve the short ball and put the ball in the deep corners. Most teams choose not to serve Tiana because of her consistency at controlling the pass.”

Ruth Teerlink, 5-8 MB, Crescent Valley -- Teerlink saw limited time last season behind two strong middles but is a starter as a senior and has developed into a strong blocker. Offensively, she is a consistent player, keeping the ball in play and making the opposing team make great plays to keep the ball alive.

Emma Williams, 6-0 OH, Jesuit – Williams has been exceptional so far for the 17-1 Crusaders. Strong armed and not afraid to take a big swing, Williams had 132 kills so far this season and is hitting .295.

Fabulous Freshmen!

We asked coaches starting last week to tell us about their freshmen making big impacts on varsity this fall. New additions this week are denoted with an asterisk (*).

Payton Becker, 5-9 S, Portland Christian – Becker is averaging almost 40 assists per match. “She has made our attack dynamic,” noted coach Denetia Chimuku. “She knows how to showcase our strengths and works hard every game.”

Allison Chastain, 5-6 OH/DS, Western Christian – Fast improving and eager to learn, Chastain is another of Western Christian’s talented freshman group. Very strong defensively, Chastain has accumulated 55 digs on the year. She also is third on the Pioneer squad with 26 aces. “She has such a great love for volleyball,” said coach Sydney Fahndrich. “She has been a great teammate and player.”

Brooke Friesen, 6-1 S/RS, Sprague – Friesen sets and hits and never comes off the court for the No. 1 6A team in the state. She has quickly become an essential player in Sprague’s attack.

Sailor Hall, 5-8 OH, Springfield – Hall has helped the 8-10 Millers in all six rotations. She has already accumulated 74 kills and 144 digs.

Teagan Hamilton, 5-7 OH, Wilsonville – The 9-3 Wildcats have benefited from having Hamilton in the lineup. The freshman “is quick to the ball, understands torque and has a whippy arm swing,” noted coach Scott Thompson, who added: “The ball contact sounds different when she swings."

Addison Herber, 6-0 MB, Western Christian – Herber is a huge reason the Pioneers are 16-1 on the season and one of the top 2A teams in the state this fall. She leads the team in aces with 43 and in digs with 177, and, with 201 kills, is one kill off of the team lead held by her twin sister, Avery. “She has a great attitude and always tries to help others,” said coach Sydney Fahndrich

Avery Herber, 6-1 OH, Western Christian – Herber’s impact on the 16-1 Pioneers was immediate and has been long lasting. She leads the team in kills with 202, averaging more than four kills per set; is second in digs and is a strong server. “She is an amazing asset to our team physically and mentally, and she has a great attitude on and off the court,” noted coach Sydney Fahndrich.

*Hadley Hughes, 5-9 OH/S, Willamina -- A six-rotation power hitter, Hughes is averaging seven kills per match with a career high of 15. She sets in the back row. “She has energy, competitive drive, and hustle unique to a freshman player,” noted her head coach.

Addison Johanson, 6-0 MB, Portland Christian – Johanson is a key cog in the PC attack, having notched 63 kills so far over 26 sets while hitting .503. “Addy has really brought the fire in the front as a freshman,” said coach Denetia Chimuku.

Kessa Litfin, 5-8 S/RS, Pilot Rock – A six-rotation setter/hitter for the 8-6 Rockets, Litfin is second on the squad overall statistically. She is mentally tough, makes smart plays and is great defensively.

Khloe Livingston, 5-8 OH, Sprague – Livingston leads the Olympians in aces and is an impact attacker who excels in all six rotations. There was a need to be filled in this lineup and Livingston has done it exceptionally.

Lily Mather, 5-8 OH, Lincoln – Mather has become an integral part of the offense for the 6-9 Cardinals. “She shows a lot of progress, and has great energy on the court,” said coach Shailah Ricketts. “Her aggressive swing and high vertical give her an advantage over tough opponents.”

*Savannah McKibben, 5-4 libero, Sheldon – McKidden is averaging an astounding six digs per set for the defending 6A champions. Said coach Martine Wodke: “Savannah is competitive, coachable, and an amazing teammate. She wants to dig every ball she can.”

Molly McMurray, 5-3 S, Spray / Mitchell / Wheeler – A crucial player on this co-op team, which is 4-8, McMurray is a great teammate who goes hard in every game.

Emma Reiman, 6-0 MB, Molalla – Reiman was recently elevated to varsity after playing JV for the first half of 2023. She is a natural athlete with great court instincts. She made an immediate varsity impact said coach Lauree Nelzen. She had five blocks in her first three matches and has the talent and coachability to be a bui9lding block for Molalla in the years to come.

Lauren Rohman, 5-10 S, Marist Catholic – The starting setter for a Marist Catholic team that is off to an 11-1 start in 4A, Rohman leads the team with 240 assists and has been impressive on other areas as well, with 28 aces and 26 kills.

Stella Thompson, 5-11 MB, Ashland – A hard hitter with strong, competitive drive, Thompson is currently third on the 2-8 Grizzlies with 53 kills.

Kathryn Urquhart, 6-0 MB, Lincoln – Urquhart isn’t just the Cardinals’ leader in blocks; she has accounted for almost 40 percent of the team’s blocks so far this season! Coach Shailah Ricketts calls her freshman “a beast on the net” who is “versatile enough to hit any position.”

Georgia Vawter, 6-0 OH/MB, Crescent Valley – Vawter played a lot of middle early as a key reserve and lately has been getting time on the outside for the reigning 5A champions. “Georgia has a heavy arm and packs a big punch when she is on,” noted coach Troy Shorey. “Once she is able to keep up with the speed that the team plays at, she will be a force in the coming years.”

*Audrey Webb, 5-9 RS, South Albany – A strong addition to a 13-3 team, Webb is a big block on the right side and is quickly becoming a strong hitting asset as she adjusts to the varsity pace of play.

Stat stars

We are in the midst of compiling 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

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

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

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

30 – Coley Gibbs, 5-9 Soph. libero, Pilot Rock – Sept. 2 versus Alsea

10 or more aces in a match

18 – Bailey Udey, Soph. OH, South Wasco County – Sept. 28 versus Lyle / Wishram

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

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

Any coaches may email [email protected] 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 [email protected] to add players to the list, using the format you see below.

Aria Birdsong, 5-10 Sr. RS, Sherwood -- Bentley 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

Lauryn Johnson, 6-1 Sr. OH, West Salem – Arizona State

Malena Mathis, 6-0 Sr. MB, South Salem – Western Oregon University