The Philomath High School boys volleyball team played well against much-larger schools on Saturday at West Salem’s Titan Tournament.
Playing without access to its full roster, Philomath (4-9) competed in a four-team pool, going 1-1 against both North Salem and David Douglas before sweeping Thurston, 2-0. Based on those results, the Warriors were placed into the Silver Bracket where they would meet the host school, Class 6A West Salem (5-10).
“We started off strong but just did not play to our potential,” PHS coach Helen Bennett said about the best-of-three match, which West Salem won 25-15, 26-24.
Bennett said outside hitters Tito Martinez, senior, and Jonah Sailor, junior, were at their best with smart play and several kills.
“Tito probably had for the day over 15 kills,” she said. “He was very effective. I think I only saw him hit it into the net like once or twice. … It was really great to see Jonah and Tito really have good success — and against 5A and 6A teams.”
In the second set of the bracket play match vs. West Salem, Bennett tried junior Gage Mosbrucker at libero.
“Gage was a whole new player,” she said. “It’s like putting on that libero jersey gave him a different kind of mindset. He passed really well, he showed some leadership out there … He brought some calmness to the back row.”
Bennett also mentioned the blocking of freshmen Braeden Colvin and Hunter St. Clair, and the steady all-around play of senior Chris Eaton.
Bennett said participating in the tournament benefited the team.
“The great thing is they had fun and it’s fun to play different teams, too, especially bigger schools,” she said.
Philomath gets back into Special District 3 play Tuesday at home against Willamette Valley Christian. The team’s seniors will be recognized prior to the match.