The Nyssa Bulldogs swept the Umatilla Vikings at a league match Friday, Oct. 4. (Anna Long/Special to the Enterprise)
NYSSA – The Bulldogs are on a winning streak in volleyball, boasting sweeps of Umatilla and Riverside last week and defeating Irrigon 3-1 in another match.
Coach Maddie Speelman credits team bonding for the Bulldogs’ recent success.
“We also came up with a game plan and practiced our game plan during practices over and over. That is what won our game against Irrigon,” Speelman said.
At last Saturday’s match against Irrigon, the Bulldogs led the first two sets, which both ended in 25-21, before slipping in the third set by five points. They came back in the fourth set, winning 25-14.
The win came after the Bulldogs easily overpowered Umatilla Friday, Oct. 4, with set scores of 25-14, 25-22, 25-10.
Against Riverside, the Bulldogs prevailed with scores of 25-20, 25-10, 25-12.
“Our team is made of athletes, and all it was going to take is coming together as a team and working hard together and they have finally figured it out,” Speelman said.
She said the wins proved to her that the Bulldogs are overcoming their weaknesses and learning to pick each other back up.
The Bulldogs will play Vale in Viking territory this Thursday. The league contest starts at 4 p.m.
“I would have to say that’s the game of all year we are gearing up for,” Speelman said. “We are going to throw all we have at that game, and we won’t be going down without a fight.”
For the latest news, follow the Enterprise on Facebook and Twitter.
SUBSCRIBE TO HELP PRODUCE VITAL REPORTING — For $5 a month, you get breaking news alerts, emailed newsletters and around-the-clock access to our stories. We depend on subscribers to pay for in-depth, accurate news produced by a professional and highly trained staff. Help us grow and get better with your subscription. Sign up HERE.