PENDLETON — Pendleton is heading back to the 4A quarterfinals after beating Central 25-16, 17-25, 25-12, 25-21 on Saturday afternoon in the first round of the 4A playoffs at Warberg Court.
“We came out very focused today with high energy and showed how bad we wanted that win tonight,” Pendleton coach Jodi Primus said. “Central was a good team, but we came out with a game plan and stuck to it. We served well, placed the ball well in order to keep them out of system, and passed well to be able to run a strong offense.”
Pendleton will take on top-ranked Valley Catholic at 9 a.m. on Nov. 6, in the quarterfinal round at North Bend High School.
“We are excited for another opportunity to head to the state tournament,” Primus said. “It’s such a fun atmosphere and these girls deserve to be there. They came out and showed what they are made of today.”
Pendleton (18-9), which has won 13 matches in a row, beat a Central team that came into the match with a 17-2 record.
“We definitely caught them off guard,” Primus said. “I really believe they overlooked and underestimated us. We played so tough, both physically and mentally. I’m so proud of our focus and team mentality.”
Caitlin Cooley handed out 45 assists, had 20 digs and two aces, while MJ Gomez had 25 kills with a 57% kill percentage, Braelyn Gunter 15 kills with a 43%kill percentage and four block assists, Olivia Allen five block assists, McKinley Moore 24 digs, and Shaylor Fisher two solo block and two block assists.
McKinley Lieuallen led the Bucks at the series line, going 30 for 30 with four aces.
“Every one of our girls was all in and gave their all in whatever role they played,” Primus said. “I couldn’t be prouder of this whole team. They demonstrated so much heart, effort and focus.”
2A state playoffs
WESTON-MCEWEN 3, NORTH DOUGLAS 0 — Charlotte Hansell had 17 kills, nine digs, two blocks and two aces to lead the fifth-ranked TigerScots to a 25-19, 25-14, 25-14 home win over the Warriors in the second round of the 2A state playoffs.
“I’m proud of these girls,” W-M coach Marie Cain said. “We started out a little slow getting our feet under us, then we took control. The girls knew what they wanted and as a team they went out and got it. We are excited and honored to make it back to the top eight again this year and look forward to the good level of volleyball to come.”
Weston-McEwen (17-5) will play No. 4 Crane at 11 a.m. on Nov. 6, in the quarterfinals at La Grande High School.
Addy Hall added 29 assists, 10 digs and two kills for the TigerScots, while Kayli Choin added four kills and one blocks, Reagan Pickard eight kills, one block and one ace, and Bree Perkins 26 digs and two aces. North Douglas finished its season with a 17-8 record.
Friday
Pendleton ends season with win over The Dalles
THE DALLES — Pendleton closed out its season Friday night with a 42-6 Greater Oregon League win over The Dalles at Sid White Field.
“It was a good one to end on,” Pendleton coach Erik Davis said. “I think our kids did a good job of practicing hard this week. It was good to see some smiles on their faces at the end of the game.”
Senior tight end Jubal Hoisington caught two touchdown passes for Pendleton (2-7 overall, 2-2 GOL), while Tanner Morgan and Kyrael Davis each ran for a touchdown.
“We wanted to establish the run game,” Davis said. “We knew we had to get the run game going early to set the tone. Offensively, we did it both in the air and on the ground.”
Morgan scored the first touchdown on a 42-yard run, but got hurt early in the game and the Bucks turned to Davis.
“We went to Kyrael Davis the rest of the game and he ran really well,” Davis said. “We wanted to take advantage of the edges. Our offensive line gave our quarterbacks time and opened holes. I don’t think we punted once, and we didn’t turn the ball over.”
Cole Sazue completed 10 of 15 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns, while Tucker Kuza was 4-for-4 for 27 yards and two touchdowns.
Joe Foster and Brady Claughton each caught a touchdown pass, while Aiden Cox caught three passes for 74 yards.
Defensively, Vance Phillips led the way with 14 tackles, while Kolt McQuinn had eight.
WESTON-MCEWEN 50, RIVERSIDE 6 — In a matchup of winless teams, the TigerScots picked up their first win of the season, beating the Pirates to close out the Blue Mountain Conference schedule.
“This was an awesome night for our seniors,” W-M coach Nick Stanford said. “For the first time all season, we had everyone together, and getting our younger guys on the field in the second half made it even better.”
Jonathan Leighty led the way for Weston-McEwen (1-7 overall, 1-3 BMC), rushing for 238 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries. Michael White added two rushing touchdowns, while Titus Hodgins threw for 103 yards.
Aidenn Mahaffey had two interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, and also ran for a touchdown. Colby Perkins returned a fumble 52 yards for a touchdown.
Riverside finished the season 0-8 overall and 0-4 in the BMC.
MABTON (WA) 46, PILOT ROCK 24 — The Rockets closed out their season with a nonleague road loss to the Vikings.
“The boys played tough,” Pilot Rock coach Shane Munkers said. “It was 18-12 at halftime, but turnovers killed us in the second half.”
Boston McCall caught two touchdown passes from Nathan Endersby to lead the Rockets (2-6), while Lucas Thieme also had a touchdown catch. Tucker Holton added a rushing touchdown.
