Panthers avoid Leopard upset

LITTLE LEAPER: Imbler’s Stephanie Anthony gets up for a kill during Saturday’s tournament. Observer photo/PAUL HARDER

Cove attempted to repeat its effort from last season by giving the Panthers a run for the league's top seed.

But Imbler battled to an 18-25, 25-10, 23-25, 25-15, 15-7 win.

“There were some iffy times,” Poe said about the match. “But I had no doubt that we’d be able to pull it out.”

A few days before the league tournament started, Poe wasn’t sure she would be able to take the floor.

She spent time at the hospital being treated for dehydration. Poe missed a lot of time preparing for the tournament trying to keep her energy up.

“We thought it was the flu, but it turned out to be some kind of virus,” Poe said. “It took a lot out of me. But I did everything I could to make sure I was on the court.”

In the deciding Game 5, Poe certainly was.

She recorded three kills, and scored two on the final three points.

The Panthers made statements after the games it lost, winning 25-10 and 25-15.

Cove made a quieter impression.

The young team led by one senior wouldn’t go away.

“The girls really came together today,” Leopards head coach Darcy Johnson said. “We made some changes for this tournament. The girls did a great job adjusting, and it definitely paid off.”

Cove’s Tierra Prince and Caitlyn Doren were named to the All-Tournament team.

Imbler’s Reva West, Demetria Thompson, Kira Poe and McKenzie Tally were named to the All-Tournament team.

Third-place game

Powder Valley couldn’t bounce back after dropping its opening game to Cove.

The Badgers fell to Pine Eagle 25-20, 25-22, 25-22 while battling for the league’s final playoff spot.

Kaylee Holmstead had a match-high 16 kills.

Freshman Jessica Pedro had eight kills.

Powder Valley will be a strong team next season. The Badgers graduate two seniors — Sami Fritz and Jamie Brown.

The Badgers’ Jessie Stephens was named to the All-Tournament team for a well-rounded attack. The sophomore helped on defense, and collected kills on the front line.

Holmstead also earned All-Tournament team honors.

Semifinals

Imbler made quick work of Pine Eagle in three games 25-11, 25-20, 25-14 to advance to the championship game.

Tally had 28 digs on the day, and served 26 of 27 with five aces.

Thompson collected 19 kills and eight blocks.

Kira Poe finished with 18 kills and 22 digs.

Sarah Bowers had 21 kills.

West dished out 54 assists.

The Spartans advanced after defeating Wallowa in three games.

Cove faced a five-game battle from the Badgers.

The Leopards rallied after dropping the first game. Jamie Murchison ended the match with two kills.

Prince finished the day with 26 kills and 14 solo blocks with 44 assisted blocks.

Murchison had 109 assists and 12 kills.

Brittany Leithner had 31 assisted blocks.

The Leopards defeated Joseph in three games in the tournament opener.

Cove will host Prospect Wednesday. A starting time is still to be determined.