The Philomath High School volleyball team opened the season Thursday evening and after falling to Class 6A Sprague, posted a victory over 5A host Corvallis in a five-set thriller.
“We played a tough match— a lot of highs and lows but came back with fire each time Corvallis would go on a run,” PHS coach Autumn Hilberg said. “I’m really proud of how the team rallied together tonight.”
The Warriors defeated the Spartans, 25-14, 22-25, 11-25, 25-16 and 15-9. Philomath’s loss to Sprague came by scores of 25-13, 25-16 and 25-19.
In the two matches combined, freshman hitter Nora Stanley had a strong high school debut with 26 kills and 33 digs. Senior Ahnika Tryon had five of Philomath’s 11 blocks. Junior setter Ashleigh Brown recorded 43 assists. And senior Clara Stanley had seven of the team’s 20 ace serves.
In the other varsity matchup, Sprague (2-0) defeated Corvallis (0-3), 25-16, 25-10 and 25-20.
Philomath (1-1) will play another doubleheader this coming Tuesday at Junction City. The Warriors are scheduled to face Gladstone at 5:45 p.m. and the host Tigers at 7:30 p.m. The home opener will follow Sept. 7 at 6 p.m. vs. Salem Academy.
