Imbler returns from Forest Grove with state title again

The Imbler volleyball team celebrates after clinching its second straight Class 1A state title in Forest Grove Saturday. Nancy Campbell photo

Led by the remarkable performance of senior outside hitter Sarah Bowers-Ott (35 kills, 17 digs), the Panthers (29-3) overpowered Helix (15-4) in a 25-9, 25-16, 25-15 win. Bowers-Ott earned the Qwest Player-of-the-Game Award and was selected to the All State Tournament First Team.  

“It sure feels great to win another title,” said Teeter “The girls really proved their ability in sweeping every opponent we played in three games. It was incredible that I didn't even need to call one timeout in the championship game.”

Just like they did in their first two tournament wins Friday, the Panthers utilized their superior athleticism and played with a higher intensity level to easily take control in the finals.

Imbler bolted to a 5-0 Game 1 lead with senior Kira Poe (20 kills) serving five straight service points. Poe, Bowers-Ott and junior middle hitter Demetria Thompson (19 kills) consistently pounded balls to the floor as Imbler extended the margin to 20-8, forcing a Helix timeout. Imbler closed it out with a 5-1 run with Bowers-Ott blasting the game winning kill.

“Winning last year was great, but it's just an amazing feeling to win the title two years in a row,” said Thompson. “I feel so proud of my teammates for how we came out and played so well. The way we came together as a team was something that I'll never forget. I don't think that I could've ever imagined in my wildest dream that we would come out and play so great in all three matches.”

Imbler again jumped out to an 8-3 Game 2 edge and led 13-3 when junior setter Stephanie Anthony served an ace. The teams traded points the remainder of the game. Hoping to avoid a sweep, Helix battled hard in Game 3 and trailed 17-13. Key hits by senior Chelsea Poe, strong serving by Reva West and Kira Poe's match winning kill helped propel Imbler to the championship.  

“After winning in 2008 and having the same group of kids for the most part returning, we felt like another title would be a good possibility,” said Teeter.

The Panthers started out with a win in their opening quarterfinal matchup with McKenzie. Accurate serving by senior setter Reva West and the power hitting combination of Thompson and Poe helped lead Imbler to victory. Imbler’s momentum continued in an 8:30 p.m. semifinal sweep over Crane.

“This is definitely the highlight of my sports career,” said Thompson. “We had great leadership from our seniors and it’s been like a close family atmosphere for us all year, so we’ll sure miss them. All of our younger players competed well and I think we’ll have a good chance to return to the state tournament again next year.”

The Panthers continued playing nearly flawless in the finals against the Grizzlies, who they beat twice during the regular season. Imbler controlled the tempo of the match from start to finish. Imbler’s highly skilled players rarely made

mistakes, and they repeatedly attacked the net while pounding balls to the floor against little resistance from Grizzly defenders. Imbler was undefeated against 1A teams and lost only to 2A schools Weston McEwen and Elgin.

“This group of girls just found a way to compete very well together, while working hard at practice every day,” said Teeter. “They’ve been an outstanding group of athletes since they were little kids, and they’ve been playing sports together for a long time. During the season, we didn’t necessarily focus on talking about a second title. They definitely had their eyes set on this prize, though, and it’s been their goal since the beginning of the season.”

West and Thompson were selected for the All State Tournament First Team. Chelsea Poe and Kira Poe earned State Tournament Second Team awards.