>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

EMPTY NET: The Eagles volleyball team will look to move up in the Old Oregon League standings in 2008. Graduated senior Megan Yost (right) will be a missed presence at the net. - Observer file photo

“There is a lot of ground to cover. Our team has a new coach and we are starting from scratch with players, but we have a lot of athletes,” new head coach Anna Yost said.

“We have not made goals quite yet, all the girls will not be there for the first few games. But, we are all looking forward to the season and are excited.”

Joseph finished the 2007 season with a record of 4-15-2 and 2-8 in Old Oregon League play.

The Eagles have five seniors on this season’s roster — four returning and one transfer. Paige Bailey, BoDean Warlock, Olivia Williams and Shelby Harshmen all return for their final season at Joseph. This year’s transfer is Claire Oggren.

“Claire is a strong, tall, outside hitter who will help us out quite a bit,” Yost said.

Five juniors and a sophomore round out the roster for Joseph. Anna Bird returns for her third season after back surgery left her on the sideline last year.

“The Dufur tournament should be good. We have Cove, Sherman County and Spray in our bracket. Some of the other area schools are in the other bracket, so we’ll at least get to see them play,” Yost said.

Enterprise’s trip to Joseph highlights the Eagles’ non-league schedule. Joseph took the Outlaws to five games last season at Enterprise before falling 2 games to 3.

Other non-league games include a trip to Sherman County and Arlington at home.

“Being a new coach, I am not too familar with the league and who our biggest rivals are. I do know Imbler is always tough, but we’re just preparing for everyone to be a tough match,” Yost said.

Cougars poised to climb the OOL standings

Wallowa ended the 2007 season on the wrong side of a tournament upset.

The Cougars fell in the opening round of the Old Oregon League tournament to fifth seeded Joseph. Wallowa entered the game as the fourth seed, but walked away losing 3-2.

The Cougars enter the 2008 season with that game fresh on their minds and ready to avenge the loss.

“The girls are quite skilled coming into the season. We are trying to better our communication and we need a little more ball control,” head coach Terri Wilson said.

“The most important thing is they all get along and are working very hard. We expect good things this year.”

The Cougars finished the 2007 season 6-15-2 and 4-6 in the Old Oregon League. They won 31 games and lost 43.

Wallowa had little positive consistency last season. They never had two wins in a row. The Cougars did manage to win half of their games at home.

Four seniors lead Wallowa, Isa Wortman, Judith Shike, Felisha Gladden and Lexi Briggs.

A trio of juniors bring game experience in Megan McKenzie, Anna Christman and Megan Goller.

Kuulie Delatori, Jessica Bingham and McKenzie Shelton are three sophomores who are key contributors to the Cougar success. “McKenzie has little experience, but is very quick and has great instincts,” Wilson said.

Wallowa has a great schedule this season, highlighted by six home games. The home schedule includes a five-game home stand beginning on Sept. 23 with the home opener against Joseph and ends with Cove on Oct. 4.

The final home game of the season is against Powder Valley on Oct. 18.

The Cougars opened the season at the Dufur Jamboree on Saturday. They played seven one game matches.

Enterprise is the highlight of the non-league schedule and Wallowa will face them twice. Thursday the Cougars travel to Enterprise and Sept. 30 the Outlaws come to Wallowa.

Enterprise swept the Cougars in both meetings last season, winning 5 games and only losing one.

Other non-league opponents include La Grande, St. Paul, and the Weston Tournament in Athena.

“As far as league play, I think the league is totally up for grabs. All we can do is be prepared,” Wilson said.