Nyssa wins first match of the season

By Argus Observer sports staff
Sunday, October 14, 2007 2:14 AM PDT

Umatilla - The Nyssa volleyball team notched its first win of the season Saturday, defeating Umatilla 3-1 in Eastern Oregon volleyball action in Umatilla.

The Bulldogs won the tough opener 25-22 and the Vikings rebounded with a 25-13 win in the second game. Nyssa wouldn’t waver as they bounced back with a 25-21 decision in the third game and closed out the match with 25-20 score.

“They did a good job,” Nyssa had coach Jessica Rodriguez said. “We saw all of their hard work pay off. It was nice that the girls were able to show that they can compete. It was a nice confidence booster for them. They played well overall.”

Against Riverside, however, Nyssa lost in three straight, 25-15, 25-19 and 25-19.

For the day, Karina Armenta notched 12 kills and three blocks, while Lindsay Wilson added 28 digs, 11 kills and nine aces. Katie Booth had an outstanding weekend with 30 assists and Mandie Widmer racked up a team-leading 40 digs.

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Nyssa next hosts Grant Union at 5 p.m. Thursday.

Adrian 3, Crane 2

The Adrian Tigers volleyball team won in five games Friday. Adrian took Game 1 25-21 followed by a 25-20 victory in Game 2.

“This was a long, but exciting match,” Adrian Coach Aimee Goss said. “In the third game we were at the brink of winning the game and match and just didn’t finish.” Crane won Game 3, 26-24. “Crane stuck in there and played some great ball,” Goss said.

Crane also won Game 4, 27-25 but lost the final match 16-14.

“Both teams and fans stayed in it until the very end. I am pleased that the team pulled it out in the end. These kind of experiences are invaluable as the season progresses towards districts and state,” Goss said.

Paige Branstiter led the Tigers with one ace, 32 kills, three digs and nine blocks.

McKenzie Purnell tallied two aces, seven kills, 13 assists and seven blocks. Kassi Daugherty had 14 assists, five digs and three blocks. Andrea Shenk had two aces, five kills and seven digs.

Teammate Jayna Witty had four kills and three blocks.

Saturday, the Tigers beat Ukiah in three: 25-11, 25-18 and 25-22.

Andrea Shenk had one ace and 4 kills and Terra Rust had five aces and four kills.

McKenzie Purnell led with 12 kills and 13 assists and Madison Shira had one ace, 3 kills and nine assists.

“It was a nice match to see how my underclassman would play together. There is a lot of potential in this group of girls,” Said Gross. Adrian’s overall record is 19-4 with a league record of 8-0. Their next match is Friday night against Prairie City for Homecoming.