Pathers try to hold court

TEAM QUEST: The Imbler Panthers volleyball team begins the defense of its state title Saturday at La Grande High School. Observer file photo

Imbler remains the frontrunner after completing a 30-2 performance during league play.

“The girls are obviously excited to get the playoffs started,” Panthers Head Coach of the Year Jennifer Teeter said. “We’ve been working hard this week to continue to get better.

Senior leadership fills the court for the Panthers, including All-League Player of the Year Sarah Bowers.

Setter Reva West may hold the key to another state title run, though.

“We need to distribute the ball,” Teeter said. “Reva has a lot options of on the court.We just need to utilize them at the right times.”

Seniors Kira Poe and Chelsea Poe, second team honors, team up with Demetria Thompson, a first-team selection to fill out the frontline.

During Imbler’s perfect Old Oregon League streak only two schools managed to take games from the defending state champions — Wallowa and Pine Eagle.

Those two teams will square off for the chance to play the Panthers again in a loser-out game beginning at 9 a.m.

The Cougars are led by second-team All-League selections Meagan McKenzie and Anna Chrisman.

Junior Ku’ulei Delatori was named honorable mention.

Wallowa finished the season 10-12 overall, and split the regular season match-up against the Spartans.

Pine Eagle swept the first meeting. The Cougars claimed the second contest in five games.

Pine Eagle is led by Alicia Marlow, a first-team selection. Kaylee Homestead earned second-team honors, while senior Ce’Aira Marks was named to the honorable mention team.

On the other side of the bracket Powder Valley secured a first-round bye after defeating Cove Tuesday.

However, the two may be meeting again.

The Leopards open the tournament against Joseph.

The Eagles have struggled on the court this season, finishing 1-9 in league play. Senior Anna Bird earned a second team all-league honors.

Cove is finding its footing late after a mid-season coaching switch.

 Juniors Tierra Prince and Jamie Murchison lead the Panthers on the frontline.

Marlee Asmussen also poses a force at the net, forcing hitters to rethink their hitting angles.

The winner gets to face a team gaining confidence each week — Powder Valley.

The Badgers are led by senior Sami Fritz. Around her is a young and talented group of hitters.

“We’re peaking at the right time,” Powder Valley head coach Lasa Baxter. “It’s exciting to see these girls work.”

Freshmen Ali Abrego, a second-team selection, and Jessica Pedro, a honorable mention selection, helped fuel a 6-4 league mark.

Jessie Stevens was an honorable mention selection.

The Old Oregon League has three playoff spots up for grabs. The first seed will have a bye during the opening round. In the first week, the second seed will host the Mountain Valley No. 3 team, while the third team hits the road to the Big Sky No. 2 team.