Anderson

REDMOND — Powder Valley ended its run at the OSAA Class 1A state tournament with a third-place showing after a tough 3-2 victory over Umpqua Valley Christian on Saturday, Nov. 4, on the court at Ridgeview High School, Redmond.

The Badgers started the team’s run on Nov. 3 with a 3-0 victory over Crosshill Christian. Entering the tournament as the No. 2 seed, Powder Valley wasted little time in taking care of the seventh-seeded Eagles, winning 25-18, 25-23 and 25-21.

Later that evening, Powder Valley suffered its lone loss of the tournament as No. 6 St. Paul upset the Badgers, 3-1. The Buckaroos came out strong, taking the first two sets over Powder Valley 25-22 and 25-15. The Badgers tightened up the match in the third set, winning 25-16. Powder Valley was knocked out of the championship game after a 25-22 St. Paul victory in the fourth and final set.

Returning to the gym on Nov. 4, Powder Valley met Umpqua Valley Christian for third-place honors. With Badger coach Marji Lind on her feet for the entire five sets, Powder Valley claimed a 3-2 win.

The fourth-seeded Monarchs jumped out for a 25-18 first-set win. Set two went into extra points after the two teams battled back and forth before the Badgers were able to tie up the match with a 26-24 win. Umpqua Valley Christian dominated the third set, winning 25-15. Fighting in an all-important fourth set, the Badgers forced a fifth and final set after taking the fourth set 25-18.

The fifth set saw the Monarchs lead early in the set before the Badgers clawed back. The set was tied at 15, 16 and 17 before Powder Valley was able to grab the final two points for a 19-17 victory.

Unlike past tournaments, the OSAA did not publish individual or team statistics for the tournament with the exception of the final championship match.

For her efforts over the two days, Powder Valley sophomore Sky Nesser was one of three players receiving unanimous voting for first team all-tournament. Nesser joined Crane’s Kortney Doman and Umpqua Valley Christian’s Amy Pappas in receiving unanimous selection for first-team honors.

Senior Jacey Anderson was chosen second team all-tournament after voting by the coaches.

Powder Valley closes out the season with 30-5 overall record, including a perfect 10-0 1A Old Oregon League showing, including a league title.

In addition to Anderson departing for graduation, Powder Valley will also lose Ayla Bingham, Jodi Bingham and Nevaeh Schuldt, all seniors.