The Philomath High School girls volleyball team notched its first victory of the season in bracket play Saturday afternoon at the Sophie Montez Memorial Volleyball Tournament at Estacada.
The Warriors defeated Ontario, 25-16, 25-10, in the bracket’s first round before falling in the semifinals to La Pine, 25-22, 25-20.
Coach Whitney Thomas said sophomore Alyssa Stanley, senior Marri Best and senior Lora Theurer were standouts for PHS in the tournament, which in addition to the bracket matches included three two-set pool play matchups.
“Alyssa played an impressive middle today with over 30 kills,” Thomas said. “Marri played a great all-around outside hitter again, both offensively and defensively. And Lora Theurer played a very steady, dependable outside hitter with consistency and kills when we needed them in opportune moments.”
In pool play, Philomath opened the tournament with a 25-18, 25-14 loss to Madras, followed with an 18-25, 25-19 tie against Scappoose and finished with a 25-18, 25-15 loss to La Pine. Pool play results, which do not count toward a team’s win-loss record, determined positioning in one of two brackets.
In the championship match, Junction City defeated Banks, 25-20, 25-21.
“It was a great day to gain more experience for several of our players at the varsity level,” Thomas said.
Philomath (1-4) is scheduled to play at home Tuesday against Pleasant Hill. The Billies have won five of their first six matches this season.
Sophie Montez Memorial Volleyball Tournament
Saturday, Sept. 12, at Estacada HS
Philomath 2, Ontario 0
Teams (Record) 1 2 Ontario (2-2) 16 10 Philomath (1-3) 25 25
La Pine 2, Philomath 0
Teams (Record) 1 2 Philomath (1-4) 22 20 La Pine (6-1) 25 25