Pendleton volleyball players Nicole Somnis (from left), Josie Jenness, Avery Brown and Finley Evans were named to the Greater Oregon League first team by the league coaches. COURTESY PHOTO

Pendleton’s Brown named Great Oregon League MVP

By ANNIE FOWLER, The CUJ PENDLETON — Pendleton had four players named to the Greater Oregon League first team for volleyball, including player of the year Avery Brown, a junior middle blocker. The honors, voted on by the league coaches, also saw three La Grande players land on the first team. Pendleton’s Jodi Primus was named coach of the year…

Pendleton’s Landon VanPelt grins as he shakes off part of a banner the team burst through before playing Weiser on Sept. 20 at Pendleton High School. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ ARCHIVE

Pendleton braces for showdown with No. 2 Cascade

By ANNIE FOWLER, The CUJ PENDLETON — It’s that time of year where every football team left in the playoff bracket is good and each week the competition gets tougher. Pendleton/Nixyáawii will take on second-ranked Cascade in the 4A state quarterfinals at 7 p.m. Friday night at Willamette University. “We are excited,”Pendleton coach Erik Davis said. “I will be honest,…

Pendleton volleyball players (far side of net) greet Estacada players before their playoff game on Nov. 2, 2024, at Warberg Court. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

Bucks headed to 4A state quarterfinals 

The No. 4 Bucks (19-5), who are in the quarterfinals for the first time since 2012, will open state play at 11 a.m. Nov. 8, against Stayton at North Bend High School. By ANNIE FOWLER, THE CUJ PENDLETON — After a tumultuous start to the season, Pendleton has done nothing but make memories every time out on the court. The…

Pendleton offensive lineman Landon VanPelt attempts to block La Grande’s Bekham Hibbert on Nov. 1, 2024, at the Round-Up Grounds. KATHY ANEY | THE CUJ

Pendleton ekes out win over La Grande

By ANNIE FOWLER, The CUJ PENDLETON —Mason Strong scored four touchdowns, and Pendleton sewed up second place in the Greater Oregon League with a 39-35 victory over La Grande on Friday at the Round-Up Grounds. “A great team effort,” Pendleton coach Erik Davis said. “A piecemeal game we were able to pull off. It was a great team win. My…

1A/2A boys blast off of the start line of the SD3 District 3 district championships on Nov. 1, 2024, at Community Park in Pendleton.

Schimmel and Shaul grab state berths

In the girls 3A/2A/1A division, Lindsey Brown of Pine Eagle won the race with a time of 19:10.80, while Enterprise won the team title with 35 points. By ANNIE FOWLER, The CUJ PENDLETON — Nixyáawii sophomore Sun Schimmel and Weston-McEwen sophomore Arden Shaul each earned a trip to the 2A/1A state cross-country championships after finishing in the top seven Friday…

Members of the seniors Founding Fathers team exult after winning Pendleton High School’s Mud Wars on Oct. 30, 2024, at the Happy Canyon Arena.

Pendleton HS wraps up 2024 Mud Wars

Congratulations to the Pendleton High School Senior Class Team #3, Founding Fathers, for winning the 2024 Mud Wars. Staff Coach: Karen Demianew Male Captains: Anson Dressler, Kaden Moore & Kael Kennedy Girl Pullers: Nessa Neveau Lexie Willman Adrianne Demianew Megan Fisher McKenna Acevedo Willow Nelson Kiara Ruiz Esra Burnette Ella Sams Josie Jenness Halle Pedersen Madelyn Lieuallen Lilly Noble Katie…

The Pendleton boys cross country team won the Greater Oregon League district title Oct. 30, in Baker City. It is the first district title for the Bucks in more than 40 years. PENDLETON HIGH SCHOOL | COURTESY PHOTO

Pendleton boys run to district title 

The Pendleton boys cross country team won the Greater Oregon League district title Oct. 30, in Baker City. It is the first district title for the Bucks in more than 40 years. By ANNIE FOWLER, The CUJ BAKER CITY — Pendleton had five runners finish in the top 12 to win the Greater Oregon League district cross country title Wednesday…

La Grande’s Rowan Evans (16) puts the ball past Pendleton goalie Citlalli Garcia for her first of two goals Oct. 29, at Community Stadium in La Grande. BRENNA STRAND | COURTESY PHOTO

No. 2 La Grande shuts out Pendleton 

By ANNIE FOWLER, The CUJ LA GRANDE — Rowan Evans had two goals, and La Grande won its 14th consecutive Greater Oregon League title Tuesday, Oct. 29, with a 2-0 win over Pendleton at Community Stadium. “Kiana (Rickman) and Pendleton came with different tactics than the first time we played them,” La Grande coach Chris Gianandrea said. “Good to have…