La Grande makes title tilt, falls against Bulldogs

HOME COURT: The La Grande Tigers volleyball team celebrates after a point during its home invite. La Grande finished in second place. The Observer/CASEY KELLAS

Baker was able to pull out the win and take home the tournament championship, but La Grande learned a lot about itself this weekend.

“We went out there and had fun,” Tigers head coach Melinda Becker said. “I think that when the girls have fun, we play a lot better. That’s what happened today.”

The lone loss was to Baker 25-14. La Grande was first overall in pool play, and faced off with Fruitland to start bracket competition.

Again the Tigers jumped out early, defeating the Grizzlies in two games, 25-14 and 25-18.

Next La Grande downed Payette 25-17 and 27-25 to earn a spot in the championship game against rival Baker.

The Bulldogs controlled the first game en route to a 25-13 win. But the Tigers wouldn’t back down, as the two teams played to the wire in game two. Baker edged the Tigers 25-22, however, and claimed the championship.

“We feel really good with how we played today,” Becker said. “We would have loved to beat Baker and won the tournament, but I think we played an all-around good tournament today. It was a total team effort.”

Shelby Hasse had a big day for La Grande, tallying 42 assists and 24 kills. Aleia May was 26 of 39 on digs, and totaled 12 kills.

Mackenzie Trotter was 31 of 39 on digs. Kaylee Gerges added 14 kills, which Becker was impressed with because Gerges averages around two a match or so.

Cheyenne Ashley contributed 21 kills, while Mariah Sain chipped in 13 kills and three stuffed blocks.

“I really think the girls gained some confidence with how we played today, and the stats reflect that,” Becker said. “Now we have to continue to build on that confidence and keep the momentum going.”

La Grande will host Mac-Hi Tuesday.