Document text
Crusaders offer service with a smile against Challengers The top-ranked Cascade Christian volleyball team needed to clear one more major hurdle en route to a Southern Cascade League title. But seventh-ranked St. Mary's was ready and waiting. The Crusaders served 51 of 53, while the Challengers managed only a 77-percent service clip in a 15-8, 15-6 victory for host St. Mary's on Tuesday. "I didn't think we showed up," said Cascade Christian coach Susan Gmur. "Not when you miss seven serves in the first game. "You've got to give them credit, though. They were prepared, had a great game plan and executed it." Cascade Christian (21-3, 8-1 SCL) jumped to a 4-0 lead in the opening game. St. Mary's rallied to grab a 5-4 lead and eventually pulled away. "My girls played fantastic defense," said St. Mary's coach James Joy. "The other thing was we blocked a lot better in this match. "We had a good practice last night, and I was so impressed with how we kept after it." Libby Trum was perfect from the service line in 14 attempts with an ace. Brittany Lawson hammered out three more aces for St. Mary's, which improved to 16-8 overall and 8-1 in the SCL. Trum also had a team-high seven digs to go along with six kills. "She was just nails tonight on serve receive," said Joy. The Crusaders close out the regular season against Lost River on Thursday. The Challengers finish with Gilchrist. If St. Mary's and Cascade Christian end still tied atop the conference, a tiebreaking match will be played to determine the No. 1 seed to state. Skyline Conference PHOENIX 15-14-15, ROGUE RIVER 4-16-9 - At Phoenix, junior middle Tiffany Ross registered 19 kills and five blocks and junior setter Kelsey Russell came up big at the service line as Phoenix turned back pesky Rogue River in a Skyline Conference match. After losing the first game, Rogue River won Game 2 and led the third and decisive game 9-4 before the Pirates charged back behind Russell, who served the final six points. Russell finished 14 of 15 from the service line and also contributed 41 assists. Junior middle Kelly Meredith added eight kills and seven blocks and senior outside hitter April Darby had 11 kills for the Pirates, who improved to 9-4 in the Skyline and 20-7 overall. Phoenix plays host to No. 2-ranked Lakeview on Thursday in its final regular-season match. LAKEVIEW 15-15, HIDDEN VALLEY 1-4 - At Lakeview, Jenna Kylie served the first eight points in Game 1 as Lakeview clinched second place in the Skyline Conference. Kylie also had two aces during the eight-point stretch and Frances Hartman led the Honkers with six kills. Junior Jess Childress had six kills, while setter Megan Albertson had five. Lakeview improved to 28-4 overall and 11-2 in conference play. HENLEY 15-15, NORTH VALLEY 4-6 - At Merlin, Henley jumped to early leads in both games and took advantage of North Valley's service woes. The Knights, who missed on 13 serving attempts, fell to 15-10 overall and 6-7 in Skyline play. Whitney Coston had six kills and Elaina Renius led North Valley with three blocks. Teammate Michelle Beck contributed six digs. Skyline A League BUTTE FALLS 15-15, NEW HOPE 6-6 - At Butte Falls, Butte Falls remained undefeated in Skyline A South Division play with the victory. The Loggers (15-6, 11-0 Sky A) got fine serving from Jessica Dunlap and Sarah Matthews. Dunlap served points 10-14 of the first game, and Matthews points 5-10 of the second to ignite the victory. Dunlap also had 12 assists. Asia Million added six kills and Brianna Smeltz had 12 digs. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.