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Badgers return to net tourney

Written by Gerry Steele November 06, 2011 07:12 pm

NORTH POWDER — Powder Valley dominated Crane Saturday in the Class 1A state volleyball playoffs to earn a return trip to the 1A tournament Friday and Saturday at Pacific University at Forest Grove.

The Badgers, who finished second at the state tournament a year ago, defeated Crane 25-11, 25-13, 25-18 Saturday.

“Badger volleyball made the fans proud with a strong win over Crane to land us a seed at the state tournament,” said Powder coach Lasa Baxter.

“The girls played well tonight with strong passing to set up our offense.”

Jessica Pedro served a six-point stretch in Game 1, providing the Badgers with momentum.

McKinsey Hampton and Britni Bobo added solid serving in Game 2.

“We simply served them out of defense,” Baxter said.

Hampton served nine straight points in Game 2 and Bobo 100 percent the entire match including seven straight in the second game.

Baxter said Ali Abrego has recovered from an earlier injury and was playing full speed Saturday.

“It showed on her scramble on defense as well as a strong show on attack,” Baxter said.

Pedro led the Badgers with 19 kills and Abrego added a dozen.

“The win helped us reach one of several goals for this season,” Baxter said.

She cited taking first in the Old Oregon League, first in district and earning a state tournament berth.

Pedro finished 12-of-14 serving with six digs, 19 kills and a block. Abrego was 6-of-8 serving with four digs, 12 kills and a block.

Jessi Stephens was 10-of-12 serving with five digs, eight assists and a kill. Bobo was 11-for-11 serving with a kill and a block.

Alexandra Colton was 4-of-7 serving with 23 assists. Hampton was 14-of-15 serving with three digs and two kills. Jenna Aldrich added a dig.

Powder Valley opens tournament play Friday at 3:15 p.m. against Perrydale. A win would advance the Badgers to the semifinals at 8:30 p.m. Friday against the winner of Lowell-Dufur. A Powder loss against Perrydale would mean a consolation semifinal match Saturday at 10 a.m. against the loser of Friday’s Lowell-Dufur match.

Spectator admission Friday is $7 adults and $4 students. Admission to the semifinals and finals is $8 adults and $5 students. Season tickets are available for $25 adults and $14 students.