Vale’s Jaymeson Jensen (No. 8) pounds the ball over the net while South Umpqua’s Tori Lind (No. 11) tries for a block. The Lady Viks made it deep into post season play after putting together a perfect league record. Vale’s Tyanna Norton was named to the second, All-Tournament team. (The Enterprise/Yadira Lopez)
FOREST GROVE – The Vikings volleyball team fought hard, making it to the final eight in the state tournament at Forest Grove last weekend before falling in five sets to South Umpqua in the quarterfinals and Sutherlin at a consolation match.
“Best part is reaching our goal to be there,” said Vikings coach Shannon Steele. “I was pleased we made it. The best part is to be part of the top teams in the state and know we can compete.”
Steele was selected as the EOL’s coach of the year.
Set scores for the match against South Umpqua ended in 16-25, 25-18, 18-25, 26-24, 15-8. Against Sutherlin, Vale went down in four sets, with set scores ending in 25-13, 14-25, 25-21, 25-22.
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Steele said she was proud of all the players and gave a shout out to junior Tyanna Norton, who was chosen for the second team on the All-Tournament team.
The Vikings finished No. 13 with an overall record of 15-13.
“The growth from this season was exceptional for all of my athletes,” Steele said.
Every match was a hard fought battle, she added.
Steele credited the senior players for leading the team to the top eight and inspiring younger athletes to keep their hunger for the state title.
Seven seniors played varsity this year: Amber Tolman, Alissa Fulwyler, Demia Hardin, Isabelle Philips, Sierra Cleaver, Lexy Rodgers and Maycee DeLong.
“I was pleased with all we became and how we competed,” Steele said. “Impressive group of young people.”
Have a news tip? Reporter Yadira Lopez: [email protected] or 541-473-3377
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