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State-ment time
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| H&N photo by Andrew Mariman Ready for state: Bonanza libero Marianna Ortega and the rest of the Antlers hope to do some damage at this weekend’s state tournament at Pacific University in Forest Grove. Bonanza’s quarterfinal match is at 1:15 p.m. Friday. |
Henley, Bonanza eyeing deep playoff runs in state volleyball playoffs
By Josh Petrie
H&N Staff Writer
Bonanza and Henley were the lone Basin teams to make their respective state volleyball tournament final sites last season.
The Antlers and Hornets will return this weekend, and both will try to improve upon last year’s efforts. Bonanza placed fifth in the Class 2A playoffs last season and won the class’ sportsmanship award, while Henley was eliminated in two matches.
“We really want to do better than we did last year. That’s our team goal,” Bonanza senior outside hitter Addie Gallagher said. “We still have to work just as hard, because the other teams up there, it’s not like they didn’t improve, too.”
Bonanza, which defeated North Douglas in four games to open state, could become the first public school to make a state finals match as a member of the Southern Cascade League.
Getting there will be no easy task.
First, the Antlers must defeat Weston-McEwen, which has been runner-up the last two years and is tied with Bonanza for fourth in the latest 2A coaches poll, at 1:15 p.m. Friday at Pacific University in Forest Grove.
If it wins, Bonanza likely would have to defeat top-ranked Blanchet Catholic in an 8:30 semifinal.
Experience could help the Antlers. Seven seniors lead the way, and nine of Bonanza’s 11 players made the trip last season.
“Going to state and knowing what it is like up there really helps us out,” senior libero Marianna Ortega said. “That’s kind of an advantage, but since we know it’s going to be hard, we’re still going to step it up.”
The only schools to make a state championship match as a member of the SCL are St. Mary’s, which lost the 1999 Class 2A final, and Sacred Heart, which appeared in the first Class A final in 1974 and won in ’81.
Current SCL member Lakeview won state titles in 1976, 2000 and ’02 while still in the Skyline Conference.
Quest for 4
Henley won the Skyline for the fourth straight time this season, and the fourth-ranked Hornets will begin their fourth straight trip to Lane Community College in Eugene against Douglas at 1:15 p.m. Friday.
Henley made quick work of Stayton in its second-round matchup, earning a 25-10, 25-17, 25-13 sweep, while Douglas took five games to win at La Grande.
If Henley wins, it likely would take on top-ranked Sisters in an 8:30 semifinal.
If the Hornets win their potential semifinal match, they would make their eighth championship appearance and remain in contention for their fourth state title.
Henley won the Class 3A championship in 1990, ’91 and 2001, defeating Lakeview for its third title in its last final to date.
The Antlers and Hornets will return this weekend, and both will try to improve upon last year’s efforts. Bonanza placed fifth in the Class 2A playoffs last season and won the class’ sportsmanship award, while Henley was eliminated in two matches.
“We really want to do better than we did last year. That’s our team goal,” Bonanza senior outside hitter Addie Gallagher said. “We still have to work just as hard, because the other teams up there, it’s not like they didn’t improve, too.”
Bonanza, which defeated North Douglas in four games to open state, could become the first public school to make a state finals match as a member of the Southern Cascade League.
Getting there will be no easy task.
First, the Antlers must defeat Weston-McEwen, which has been runner-up the last two years and is tied with Bonanza for fourth in the latest 2A coaches poll, at 1:15 p.m. Friday at Pacific University in Forest Grove.
If it wins, Bonanza likely would have to defeat top-ranked Blanchet Catholic in an 8:30 semifinal.
Experience could help the Antlers. Seven seniors lead the way, and nine of Bonanza’s 11 players made the trip last season.
“Going to state and knowing what it is like up there really helps us out,” senior libero Marianna Ortega said. “That’s kind of an advantage, but since we know it’s going to be hard, we’re still going to step it up.”
The only schools to make a state championship match as a member of the SCL are St. Mary’s, which lost the 1999 Class 2A final, and Sacred Heart, which appeared in the first Class A final in 1974 and won in ’81.
Current SCL member Lakeview won state titles in 1976, 2000 and ’02 while still in the Skyline Conference.
Quest for 4
Henley won the Skyline for the fourth straight time this season, and the fourth-ranked Hornets will begin their fourth straight trip to Lane Community College in Eugene against Douglas at 1:15 p.m. Friday.
Henley made quick work of Stayton in its second-round matchup, earning a 25-10, 25-17, 25-13 sweep, while Douglas took five games to win at La Grande.
If Henley wins, it likely would take on top-ranked Sisters in an 8:30 semifinal.
If the Hornets win their potential semifinal match, they would make their eighth championship appearance and remain in contention for their fourth state title.
Henley won the Class 3A championship in 1990, ’91 and 2001, defeating Lakeview for its third title in its last final to date.
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| Center of attention | He’s in the running |
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