Tigers take a rollercoaster ride in Pendleton

PENDLETON — The La Grande volleyball team fared well at the Pendleton Invitational Saturday, placing third in their bracket.

The Tigers competed against a number of teams from the region, including teams from class 5A.

The Tigers played four teams in all, including rival Baker in the consolation round.

After splitting with the Dalles-Watonka 25-22, and 20-25 to start the tournament, the Tigers were swept by Weston-McEwen in straight sets in their next match.

But La Grande bounced back against the host team Pendleton, splitting a pair of games 25-20, and 22-25.

By splitting with Pendleton, the Tigers drew Baker for the consolation match. La Grande won the first game 25-15, but were unable to keep the momentum going as Baker took the next game 25-20.

The Tigers got down early in the third game 7-1, and never recovered as they went on to lose the game 15-8.

Head coach Melinda Becker thought her team played well in their first competition of the season.

“I’m really proud of how the girls played,” Becker said. “We had a couple of lapses against Weston where we kind of fell asleep, but for the most part I am pleased.”

Becker was specifically proud of how her team played Pendleton.

“We played awesome in that game,” she said. “I wish we could have taken that mentality into the second game.”

Mariah Sain led the Tigers with six serving aces in the tournament, while Cheyenne Ashley had a team-high 12 kills.

Shelby Hasse contributed 10 kills for the Tigers, and Aleia May added eight.

Becker added that her front row played well throughout the tournament, along with some of her younger players making their varsity debuts.

La Grande lost eight players from last year’s team that won the Greater Oregon League title for the second consecutive season. Because of that, Libero Mackenzie Trotter, and the rest of the four returning seniors including Hasse, Jacey Childs and Brittany Elliot will be looked to lead the Tigers this season.

“We are a little inexperienced in some places and I think it showed today,” Becker said. “But I have a great group of seniors that are helping the younger players along. “Overall today was a great day of volleyball by my team.”

La Grande doesn’t have much time to regroup as they take the court again Tuesday night against Hermiston, then they head back to Pendleton Thursday.

The Tigers’ home opener will be a rematch against Weston-McEwen Sept. 15.

Panthers open with a win

PASCO, Wash. — The Imbler volleyball team started its state title defense with a win against Pasco, Wash., Friday.

The visiting team cruised to a sweep 25-21, 25-15, 25-18.

“It was great competition for us to open the season with,” Imbler head coach Jennifer Teeter said. “They’re a really good blocking team.

“I was a little worried about our coverage on those blocks to start out the season. But the girls did a great job of picking them up.”

Demetria Thompson and Sarah Bowers led the Panthers, each recording three kills.

Chelsea Poe and Kira Poe finished with two kills apiece.

“It was good to see a mix of people getting kills on the front line,” Teeter said.

As a team Imbler served 92 percent for the match.

“That’s a good number to have early in the season,” Teeter said. “We can live with that.

“The girls were ready to get out and play, and I’m pleased with how we did. We just need to continue to get better.”

Imbler will travel to Class 2A Weston-McEwen Friday. The match is set to start at 7 p.m.