Imbler overcomes slow start to beat Badgers

PANTHER PRIDE: Imbler remains in first place in the Old Oregon League after a sweep of North Powder Thursday. -The Observer/CASEY KELLAS

“We didn’t come out as aggressive as I would have liked,” Imbler head coach Jennifer Teeter said. “We really struggled at the beginning of each game.”

In Game 1 Powder Valley jumped out to a 5-0 lead, but the Panthers rallied to tie the game at 12, then took its first lead at 13-12.

The Panthers had no problem closing the game out as they led the rest of the way to take a one game advantage.

Game 2 was nearly identical to the first game, as Powder Valley jumped out to a 5-1 lead and looked to have Imbler rattled.

But the Panthers would recover and came back to tie the game at 13. The ensuing point put Imbler ahead for the first time at 14-13.

Once again the Panthers had no trouble closing the game out at 25-19.

“We just fell flat,” Badgers head coach Lasa Baxter said. “We played hard but gave up a lot of points. We haven’t really done that this season. The girls are usually pretty good at closing out games.”

In the third game Imbler took control from the outset, grabbing an 8-1 lead. Powder Valley struggled with most of the balls hit its way as the Panthers put the game away in a 25-14 win.

“Defensively we played really well tonight,” Teeter said. “We really battled in the first two games and were able to get the win.”

Demetria Thompson led the Panthers with six blocks and five kills. Chelsea Poe added five kills along with six blocks at the net. Stephanie Anthony had 13 digs on the night.

Jessica Pedro had six kills for the Badgers, while Ali Abrego and Kaitlyn Martin both added six kills in the match. Jessi Stephens contributed 15 digs in the loss.

Imbler remains atop the Old Oregon League after the win with a perfect record. The Panthers travel to Pine Eagle today.

Powder Valley still remains in second place in the league, and will host Joseph today in what is now a must win for the Badgers.