Philomath High School’s boys volleyball season came to a close Thursday night with a four-set loss at Western Christian in Salem, 25-16, 20-25, 25-15, 25-15.
The Warriors finished the season with a 7-10 record.
PHS coach Helen Bennett said the team was prepared going into the league playoffs after a series of productive practices.
“The boys had a great mental attitude going into and during the match and they fought and battled hard,” Bennett said. “But it just wasn’t in the cards for us.”
Senior Mayson Wallace led Philomath with 10 kills and what Bennett described as strong defensive play.
“He played great defense, diving for balls and had a positive attitude,” Bennett said. “I’m proud of him and all our seniors for their hard work last night and the whole season.”
In addition to Wallace, seniors Chris Eaton, Seth O’Harra, Tito Martinez and Jaxon Allen will graduate out of the program.
The Warriors struggled at times with serving, missing on 20 attempts throughout the match. Sophomore Nico Mayo Carrasco accounted for five of the team’s nine aces.
“It was a pretty emotional end to our season as they also believed the results were going to be different and we would be playing on Saturday,” Bennett said.
Western Christian (12-6) advanced to a Saturday matchup at Willamette Valley Christian.
Reflecting on the season, Bennett said the team’s record didn’t tell the full story.
“Looking back at the last 2-1/2 months, I’m so proud of the team and everyone’s individual progress,” she said. “Our record might not show it, but it was truly a successful season.”
Bennett thanked her departing players — seniors Eaton, Wallace, Martinez, Allen and O’Harra, along with foreign-exchange student Mayo Carrasco — “for all the sweat, effort and commitment you gave your team, coaches and the program this season. But thank you more for the smiles, laughter, leadership and friendship. I will remember and miss that the most.”
Western Christian 3, Philomath 1
Thursday, May 14, at Western Christian HS, Salem
Team 1 2 3 4 Philomath (7-10) 16 25 15 15 Western Christian (12-6) 25 20 25 25