Baker’s Nic Maszk ran away from the field early to win the Greater Oregon League individual title Saturdaay at the district meet on the campus of Eastern Oregon University.

The senior built up a large lead in the first mile of the course that makes two laps around the university’s athletic complex during a constant drizzle across wet grass.

EOU’s Haley Hill heads the ball during the Mountaineers’ 1-1 tie with Oregon Tech Friday. The Mountaineers also tied with Southern Oregon on Sunday to finish the regular season. Eastern Oregon wrapped up the year with a 1-13-1 overall record and went 1-6-1 in the Cascade Collegiate Conference. BRAD MOSHER - The Observer

Eastern Oregon University closed out its 2012 season with a pair of ties at home that has first-year coach Jennifer Simonetti looking forward to next season.

“It was a great team effort by our women today. I think we just need to have a little more composure,” she said Sunday after watching the Lady Mountaineers end their home season with a 1-1 tie against Southern Oregon.

Powder Valley’s Alexandra Colton celebrates after the Badgers win the tournament title Saturday. BRAD MOSHER - The Observer

It took five sets, but Powder Valley claimed the Old Oregon League district tournament crown Saturday.

Imbler, the only league team to win any sets against the Badgers this year, made it even tougher for Powder Valley to earn the title and a first-round bye in the state playoffs. 

Powder Valley, Imbler look for district title rematch

With the Old Oregon League district volleyball tournament set for Saturday at La Grande High School, this year’s bracket has a familiar look to it.

Defending district champion Powder Valley enters as the No. 1 seed after finishing a perfect 10-0 in the regular season, while Imbler, who lost in the district title game last year to the Badgers, enter as the No. 2 seed. 

The 2012 3.5 senior national championship team from left to right: Khuelien Dretke, Juday Baston, Debbie Berkowitz, Kathy Mehlenbacher, Jan Hanami, Elaine Chapman, Loretta Gohd, Becky Gardner, Judy Stromberg, Cyd Bothum.

Khuelien Dretke part of national-title winning tennis team 

Tennis may not be the most popular sport in Eastern Oregon, but don’t tell that to Khuelien Dretke.

Because for Dretke, tennis is a way of life.

And the amateur player recently did something that most players won’t ever accomplish in a lifetime of playing the sport. 

EOU’s Alisha Crane was one of two Mountaineers to finish with seven kills in a sweep of Walla Walla Tuesday. BRAD MOSHER - The Observer

EOU sweeps Walla Walla in non-league contest 

The Eastern Oregon women’s volleyball team defeated Walla Walla University 25-7, 25-12 and 25-6 Tuesday night at Quinn Coliseum.

Alisha Crane and Rebecca Haight led the Mountaineers (18-6, 10-4) in kills with seven each, while Katie Keeney and Casey Loper added six.  Karly Stack stirred the EOU offense as she dished out 17 assists while Kaitlyn Duncan recorded a match-high 11 digs. 

Elgin’s Aria Higgins digs the ball in Game 1 of the Lady Huskies’ 3-0 loss to Weston-McEwen Tuesday. CASEY KELLAS - The Observer

ELGIN — The Elgin High School volleyball team played host to the Blue Mountain Conference’s best Tuesday night. And the Lady Huskies felt the wrath of what that team is capable of as Weston-McEwen used a hard-hitting attack to down Elgin in three games 25-9, 25-9 and 25-10.

“We had moments of greatness tonight,” first-year head coach Emily Sorensen said. “These girls have shown a lot of potential for the future.” 

MILTON-FREEWATER — The La Grande High School volleyball team finished its second consecutive undefeated Greater Oregon League season with a 3-0 sweep of McLoughlin Tuesday night.

The Lady Tigers (16-3, 9-0) won 25-10, 25-14, 25-14 for their 18th consecutive GOL win dating back to last season.

JOHN DAY — Union coach Mendy Clark said she could hardly contain herself after her Lady Cats swept (25-22, 25-11, 25-17) Grant Union Tuesday to clinch second place in the Blue Mountain Conference with the district tournament set for Saturday in Stanfield.

Dani Sturm had nine kills, Bayly Poor added seven, and both Viki McCabe and Kelsey Walenta finished with five in the victory.

MILTON-FREEWATER — The La Grande girls soccer team got sweet revenge Tuesday with a 7-2 victory over McLoughlin.

The win avenged a loss LHS suffered to the Pioneers last week.

But it wasn’t easy.