Eighth grade volleyball team wraps up stellar season

The eighth grade volleyball squads came up with fruits for the names of their teams this season, dubbing themselves the Tangelos and the Feijoas.

Both teams were deep with talent and several players already had three to four years of experience under their belts. The combined teams carried a roster of 24 and dominated their opponents from Bend, Redmond, and Madras.

Crook County's eighth grade varsity gave the Tangelos and Feijoas their toughest competition. The season's first matchup with Crook County ended in a loss for both Sisters teams. The second time around the Feijoas prevailed and came out on top with a big win that consisted of three very competitive and spirited games. The Tangelos lost their match but finished with a season high 55 bump, set, spikes on the night.

The Tangelos finished the season with eight wins and two losses. Katie Bellew, Sarah Zubrick, Sydney Foteff and Quincy Shepard shared duty at the setting position. Playing at middle were Erica Lowry, Madison Rost, Harley Bowler and Amanda McDowell. Rounding out the team at outside hitter were Niki Haken, Samantha Beymer, Jordan Williams and Marcy Calavan.

Of the players on the Tangelo team Coach Clay Warburton said, "This group of girls worked very hard and ran a position rotation offense that only one other team attempted to pull off. They played at such a high level that they would have been better matched if they could have played the top teams from the other schools but with the depth and talent we had this year it wasn't possible. I enjoyed the girls' fun-loving attitude and willingness to learn new things."

The Feijoas were absolutely dominant and finished with a 9-1 record.

Running the offense at the setter position for the Feijoas were Shelbi Thompson, Harley Rowe and Kristina Sparling. Megan Minke, Alisha Haken and Clara McCabe played at middle and Tylor Nieri, Shannon Fouts, Kristina Johns, Paige Tosello, Britney Simindson and Jaimee Simindson all saw time at outside hitter.

The Fejoas averaged 50 bump, set, spikes per match and had seven players who could jump serve, which made them devastating at the line. They ended with a season high 59 bump, set, spikes in their final match against Crook County.

Of the Feijoas Warburton said, "These girls are skilled in all aspects of the game and I have not coached a group with a stronger desire to work hard and get better everyday. They absolutely love volleyball. Winning the final match against our top rival CC was a definite highlight. These girls would receive compliments from opposing coaches that ranged from .... 'incredible....it simply isn't fair... to...these girls could beat our high school freshman team.' If these girls continue to work hard and stay focused they will make a tremendous impact on the high school scene."

Warburton had compliments for his setters and his middle and outside hitters.

"The setters on both teams did a nice job of distributing the ball to the hitters and worked really hard to run a quick offense. Both teams were strong in the middle and recorded numerous blocks on the season which is very uncommon at this level. All of the outside hitters did a tremendous job throughout the season. Their primary responsibility was to attack the ball and with our bump, set, spike ratio, they did their job very well."

Warburton told The Nugget that the girls were a pleasure to coach and complimented his players on their selfless attitudes.

"It was hard to share playing time with 24 girls on the team but I never heard any selfish comments or questions about who was on the court or why. They behaved like dedicated athletes that understood our team concept and knew that we were trying to accomplish something that would bring the greatest good to all members of our squad."