Panthers move past larger schools at Weston-McEwen

ATHENA — The Panthers volleyball team had a successful weekend.

Imbler started Friday off with an Old Oregon League sweep against Joseph 25-22, 25-20, 25-21.

Sarah Bowers tallied six kills and 16 digs.

McKenzie Tally finished with seven digs and three ace serves.

The Panthers then traveled to Athena for the Weston-McEwen Invite. Imbler was one of two Class 1A schools playing, but managed to come home with the second-place trophy.

“It was a really great tournament for the team,” Panthers head coach Jennifer Teeter said. “We were missing a few girls who were taking the SAT test. That allowed us to get some other players on the court. They stepped in and did a great job.”

On their way to the championship game the Panthers defeated four Class 2A top-10 teams.

Blanchet Catholic, tied for the top spot with Weston-McEwen, fell to Imbler 25-18, 23-25, 25-17.

The Panthers swept No. 6 Union 25-18, 25-19, 25-17 to finish pool play.

Elgin, No. 10, was the first to fall to Imbler in bracket play 25-23, 25-23.  Next came No. 3 Salem Academy 25-17, 25-20.

The host Weston-McEwen, tied for the No. 1 ranking, rallied past the Panthers in the championship game after dropping the opening game.

Imbler lost 27-25, 21-25, 12-15.

As a team, the Panther served 91 percent, collected 48 aces on the day.

Sarah Bowers finished the tournament with 18 kills, 82 digs and eight blocks.

Demetria Thompson had 22 kills and 16 blocks.

Chelsea Poe recorded 22 kills and 10 blocks.

Reva West finished with 59 assists.

The Panthers will resume their league schedule Friday when they host Cove at 4 p..m.