Philomath High School beat two of its three opponents in morning pool play before falling to 5A Corvallis in afternoon bracket play Saturday at the South Eugene Varsity Volleyball Tournament.
“The Warriors played outstanding today, really working well together as a team and forcing their way to wins with sheer will and consistent play,” PHS coach Whitney Rasmussen said after the tournament. “Everyone contributed today and saw playing time, making it a true team effort all around.”
Philomath (0-4) is scheduled to next play at 6 p.m. Monday at home against Scio.
In Saturday’s 12-team tournament, the Warriors competed in a pool against the host school, Eagle Point and Dallas. South Eugene edged Philomath, 25-21, 27-26. The Warriors followed by defeating Eagle Point, 25-19, 25-21 and Dallas, 25-19, 25-17.
Teams were then placed in a bracket based on their win-loss record in sets played. Philomath’s 4-2 set record earned the Warriors the third seed but a tough bracket draw in Corvallis. The Spartans entered the match unbeaten and downed Philomath, 26-24, 25-14.
In the tournament, junior Shaylee May had a team-high 21 kills. Sophomore Nora Stanley finished with 19 kills and junior Avery Smith had 13. Senior Ashleigh Brown led in the assists department with 38 and Smith had 18.
At the service line, the Warriors were effective with 22 aces on the day. Stanley and senior Hannah Bennett served seven and six aces, respectively.
Rasmussen sees progress with her team through the first 10 days of the season.
Said the first-year coach, “The growth and success today is a direct reflection of their dedication to learning and improving every day.”