Document text
Tornado battles back against Pelicans The North Medford volleyball team remained on course for the state playoffs Tuesday night. The Black Tornado's strong serving overcame a shaky first game as it defeated visiting Klamath Union 8-15, 15-8, 15-9. The win kept North Medford striking distance of third-place Roseburg with one match remaining. The Black Tornado wraps up regular season play Thursday with a home contest against rival South Medford. With a win and a Roseburg loss to Ashland on Thursday, North Medford would secure the No. 3 spot. If both the Indians and Black Tornado win then North would finish with the fourth seed. Klamath Union jumped out to a 14-1 lead in the opening game behind Kristina Matchett's dominating play at the net. North Medford fought back to 14-8 after Klamath Union missed a couple of serves but couldn't overcome the deficit. "We didn't play very well in the first game," said North Medford coach Ron Beick. "KU played strong and we weren't very well prepared for which I take the blame for." The Black Tornado held a slim 9-8 lead over Klamath Union in the second game when Kendra Mitchell toed the service line and finished the game off with six consecutive points. The score was 4-4 after both teams had completed their first rotation in the third game. Amy Baker served North to an 8-4 advantage which grew to 13-6 before the Pelicans rallied for three points. "The key to the win had to be our serving runs in the final two games," said Beick. "The run we made towards the end of the first game really set the tone for the rest of the match." ASHLAND 15-15, CRATER 6-12 -- At Ashland, senior middle Amy Williams had a career match as Ashland moved to within one victory of an undefeated SOC campaign. The fourth-ranked Grizzlies have already clinched the SOC championship and can finish 14-0 with a win at Roseburg on Thursday. Williams demonstrated her versatility by leading the squad in kills (10), blocks (4) and aces (3). Chelsea Morgan passed out 23 assists and Jill Stranberg efficiently handled the serve receive chores. Crater middle Jody McLeod gave Ashland problems at the net, while Sara Yager and Crystal Galedrige played outstanding defense for the Comets. ROSEBURG 15-15, EAGLE POINT 5-5 -- At Roseburg, Megan Morley collected four kills and four aces to lead the Indians, while Carrie Gerretsen and Katie Kahn had three each. Brandi Slone and Julie Harris served three aces apiece. Kara Stuart had four blocks, seven digs and five kills for an injury-plagued Eagle Point team. The Eagles were minus three starters with Elaina Corliss and Jodie Raigosa lost for the season with knee injuries. Jiana Simmons had a solid effort for Eagle Point. Today's Sports Index Mail Tribune Copyright� The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, OR U.S.A.