The Philomath High School volleyball team split two matches on the final day of the Class 4A State Tournament in Coos Bay with a victory over Astoria and a loss to Marshfield.
The Warriors finish with the tournament’s sixth-place trophy and end the season with a 17-8 record.
“They set their sights on a state appearance this season and accomplished their goal, earning a sixth-place finish,” PHS coach Whitney Thomas said. “I could not be more proud of their determination to overcome adversity throughout the season and stay the course in order to achieve their goals. Such an unforgettable season.”
Philomath dropped into the consolation bracket following a four-set loss to Cascade in the quarterfinals on Friday. The Warriors took the floor early Saturday for a 9 a.m. match against Astoria (17-7) but proved they were strong early risers with a 25-16, 25-19, 25-15 victory.
Junior Nora Stanley, who was voted onto the all-tournament first team, had 13 kills in the win. Senior Taylor Hudson had seven kills and five solo blocks. Junior Megan Ward finished with nine kills, five assists and five solo blocks. Senior Shaylee May contributed eight kills, four assists and two aces.
Setting up those kills was senior Avery Smith, who ended up with 31 assists to go along with three solo blocks and three aces. Junior Cheyenne Adams had four aces at the service line.
The win advanced the Warriors into the fourth-sixth-place match against the Pirates (15-9), who had the advantage of playing in their home gymnasium. Although the match failed to go the full five sets, it was close throughout with Marshfield posting a 23-25, 28-26, 28-26, 25-20 win.
Stanley was hitting big with 21 kills. May had nine kills, Hudson seven and Ward six. At the net, Ward had three solo blocks and Stanley, May and Hudson each had two. Smith recorded 36 assists.
Summing up the season, Thomas said she was proud of the team.
“They represented the school, the league, their team and themselves beautifully,” she said. “This team genuinely loves each other unlike any team I’ve ever coached. They support and play for their teammates every single day.”
Philomath 3, Astoria 0
Saturday, Nov. 8 at Marshfield HS, Coos Bay
| Astoria (17-7) | 16 | 19 | 15 |
| Philomath (17-7) | 25 | 25 | 25 |
Marshfield 3, Philomath 1
Saturday, Nov. 8 at Marshfield HS, Coos Bay
| Philomath (17-8) | 25 | 26 | 26 | 20 |
| Marshfield (15-9) | 23 | 28 | 28 | 25 |
