The Philomath High School boys volleyball team earned a convincing home victory over Newport on Tuesday night, sweeping the Cubs 25-12, 25-7, 25-20 in a Special District 3 matchup.
It was a measure of revenge of sorts for the Warriors, who dropped three of five matches to Newport last season — including a consolation finals loss at the state tournament in Hillsboro.
Gallery: PHS boys volleyball vs. Newport (March 31, 2026)
A collection of photos from Philomath High’s three-set boys volleyball victory at home over Newport on Tuesday.
“It’s a good feeling that we beat them at home since, unfortunately, last year we weren’t able to beat them even on our Senior Night,” senior hitter Tito Martinez said. “But it was good to win our first home game against our guests.”
Newport was at a clear disadvantage Tuesday, entering with just one returning player and playing its first match of the season. Philomath, by contrast, had already played Marist Catholic earlier in the year.
“We have a little bit more experience than them because we had a game prior against Marist,” Martinez said. “We just have to improve a little bit on our serves but we played well overall.”
Serves were a point of emphasis for coach Helen Bennett heading into the match and the results were mixed.
“Our goal was tough serves and unfortunately we had a lot more errors than I wanted but it was nice to be in a position to get other players in and give them some gaming experience,” Bennett said.
With the match well in hand, Bennett was able to rotate bench players in and build depth — something that figures to matter as the season progresses.
“It’s all a matter about getting them to gel together and rather than being six individuals out there, playing it more as a team,” she said. “It really helps having my returning players as that core and then having the new guys kind of surrounded by them.”
One of those returning players is senior Chris Eaton, who has made a position switch from outside hitter to setter this season.
“It’s been a big adjustment trying to learn how to set quickly but I’ve been picking up some extra practice at G3 (gym in Corvallis) and trying to get better for my teammates,” Eaton said.
Despite the role change, Eaton’s presence and composure stood out Tuesday. Bennett singled him out as a key voice in the lineup.
“Chris is turning out to be a very good leader, which is what he needs to be for his setter position,” she said. “His volleyball IQ has definitely gone up and his leadership goals have definitely improved as well.”
Eaton said the team was locked in from the start, even though nerves were a factor heading into the match.
“I got kind of worked up about this game because that was only our second match and I’ve been thinking about it for so long,” he said. “But I thought the team came out really composed and really played together.”
Eaton also noted the unique dynamic of facing a rival that includes some of his own friends.
“I mean, they’re rivals and I’ve still got friends that play on that team so it was good to see them and it was good to compete a little bit,” he said. “It was good to do some things that we’ve been doing in practice and kind of work out some kinks and get in some of the bench players.”
Eaton’s presence at the net could be easily seen on defense with a few key blocks.
“I love blocking, man,” Eaton said. “It’s one of my favorite things. It’s the best feeling to get a good block.”
Philomath returns to action Thursday with a road trip to Turner to take on Crosshill Christian in another Special District 3 contest. The Class 2A Eagles opened their season Tuesday with a three-set sweep over Western Christian.
Philomath 3, Newport 0
Tuesday, March 31, at Philomath HS
Team 1 2 3 Newport (0-1, 0-1) 12 7 20 Philomath (2-0, 1-0) 25 25 25
