Pirates outlast Bulldogs for 3A playoff berth

ADAIR VILLAGE – For Dayton volleyball coach Kathleen Brasuell, initiative was the key to her Pirates seizing a Class 3A state playoff berth.

“I think my team was so afraid of losing that got into their heads,” Brasuell said of the Pirates’ match against Willamina in the Class 3A West Valley League third-place game Saturday. “They weren’t hitting the ball hard. It was a little bit like watching a junior-high volleyball game. Just bump, bump, bump. You’ve got to just go for it.”

Dayton trailed 2-1 in games but overcame a 21-16 disadvantage in the fourth game to wrest a 25-12, 20-25, 22-25, 26-24, 15-9 victory from the Bulldogs and extend its season.

“I think we just had our confidence back and (the girls) did what they needed to do,” Brasuell said of her team’s late charge. “Willamina just kind of lost momentum.”

Dayton (14-6, 10-4 WVL) will move forward without junior outside hitter Teddi Hop (pinkie finger) but received contributions from freshmen Shawnie Spink and Malina Ray in Hop’s absence.

Santiam Christian captured the league title after defeating Westside Christian, 25-19, 26-24, 25-13, on Saturday.

The Pirates, ranked No. 13 in Class 3A by the OSAA, will be on the road for their first-round contest, likely against No. 4-ranked Vale. Date and time for the game are to be determined.

Willamina’s season ends with a 9-13 overall record (7-7 WVL).

Oct. 23

Westside Christian 3, Dayton 0

PORTLAND -- Sydney Van Noy had 10 kills and 11 digs and Sierra Ray also had 11 digs, but the Pirates fell to the Eagles, 25-13, 25-14, 25-22, in Thursday’s Class 3A West Valley League playoff game at West Hills Christian School in Portland.

Willamina 3, Sheridan 2

WILLAMINA – Kasey Anderson led all players with 19 kills and Sydney France had five kills and three service aces as the Bulldogs rallied from a 2-0 game deficit to end the Spartans’ season in a 21-25, 21-25, 25-17, 25-15, 15-12 victory.

Cassadie Breeden had 10 kills and four service aces for Sheridan, while Hannah Denton had 24 digs and four service aces. The Spartans ended their season with a 6-13 overall record (5-9 WVL).