Vale’s Sierra Cleaver leans to make a pass in the Viking’s home loss to Burns in September. Burns defeated the Vikings a second time Tuesday night in league play. (The Enterprise/Jayme Fraser).
BURNS – Burns defeated Vale in three sets Tuesday night in a league match with post-season implications.
Burns downed Vale 25-24 in the first game and then clinched 25-23 and 25-15 wins in the next two matches to seal the win.
“It was an incredible match full of extremely long rallies and a defense that was impeccable,” said Shannon Steele, Vale varsity volleyball coach.
Steele highlighted the play of Vale netters Emmy Johnson, Maycee Delong and Sierra Cleaver during the contest.
“They had some of the best defensive moments in their careers,” said Steele.
Vale is now ranked second in the Eastern Oregon League. If the Vikings win out this weekend in matches against Umatilla, Irrigon and Riverside they will enter into the district tournament as a second seed.
“Overall I was very pleased with how we did. We played very tough and it was an excellent match. We just didn’t string points together or come out with the win but I am proud of the girls,” said Steele.
The Vikings face Umatilla Friday, and Irrigon and Riverside Saturday before district tourney play opens Oct. 16.