Pendleton rallies to beat Ontario in GOL play
By ANNIE FOWLER, The CUJ
ONTARIO — Kelsey Graham had a goal and an assist in helping Pendleton beat Ontario on Tuesday, Oct. 1, in Greater Oregon League action.
The Bucks scored two of their goals in the final five minutes of the game to escape with the win.
“We played hard,” Pendleton team captain Sara Airoldi said. “Even after going down a goal, we kept our heads up and we fought hard. We really wanted it.”
Halle Pederson and Ava Jackson also scored goals, while Kallahan Smith and Presley Greenwalt added assists. Goalkeeper Citlali Garcia finished with six saves.
“The game was back and forth,” Pendleton coach Kiana Rickman said. “It turned into who was going to hustle more. I am super proud of the way the girls played under pressure. All of the goals were pure hustle.”
The Bucks (3-4-1 overall, 1-0-1 GOL) will host La Grande on Oct. 8.
Boys soccer
ONTARIO 8, PENDLETON 0 — The Tigers improved to 2-0 in Greater Oregon League play with a road win over the Bucks.
Jack DeGrofft and Jared Pace shared time in goal for Pendleton, with a handful of saves apiece.
The Bucks (0-8 overall, 0-2 GOL) will play Oct. 8, at La Grande.
Volleyball
ECHO 3, PILOT ROCK 2 — The Cougars pulled out a 25-16, 27-25, 20-25, 21-25, 15-7 road win over the Rockets, but they had to work for every point.
“It was a battle until the end,” Pilot Rock coach Jen Porter said. “I am proud of how we played overall. We just need to work on starting the match strong.”
Kenzie Hendrix led the way for Echo (3-9 overall, 3-3 OOL) with 16 kills, 11 assists and four aces, while Taylor Sperr had 11 kills, six aces and three blocks. Lilah Miller had 13 assists and Jacee James had 21 digs.
Coley Gibbs led the Rockets (3-13, 2-4) with 44 digs and six aces, while Lillie Holman had nine kills and four aces, Kessa Litfin 11 assists and four aces, Abbigail Johnson 14 digs, Kashley Golden 7 kills, and Gracee Hemphill two blocks.
“We played a good match tonight,” Porter said. “Lillie did a great job all the way around, and Coley had an amazing night defensively with 44 digs.”
