Panthers ready for postseason

The Panthers volleyball team is poised to make a return trip to the state title.

But Imbler isn’t taking anything for granted.

“We’re trying to take it one game at a time,” Panthers head coach Jennifer Teeter said. “That’s been our key all season long. We can’t look ahead.”

Seniors Kira Poe, Chelsea Poe and Sarah Bowers led a deep frontline.

Bowers, the Old Oregon Player of the Year, led the team with 52 kills — 2.5 per game.

Kira Poe and Chelsea Poe average 1.4 and 1.6 kills per game, respectively.

Demetria Thompson adds more firepower to the offense. The sophomore was second on the team with 42 kills.

Senior Reva West is in charge of distributing the ball around. She averaged 6.1 assists per game.

Seniors Stephanie Anthony and McKenzie Tally play an all-around game.

Anthony plays at the net, sets and finished the season third in digs with 54.

Tally serves as a defensive and service specialist.

“We have so many people that are contributing to the team’s success,” Teeter said. “I think that’s why we’re so successful. That’s what we need to continue to do. If we can play as a team, we’ll be OK.”

Imbler opens the state tournament against McKenzie.

The Mountain West No. 2 seed is making its first trip to Forest Grove.

The Eagles tied for first in the Mountain West’s West Division with Crow at 11-2.

“We don’t know what to expect from McKenzie,” Teeter said. “We’re just going to try to come out strong and go from there.”

Imbler will face McKenzie at 1:15 p.m. at Pacific University.