By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

TURNER, Ore.– Cascade had found ways, through the adversity of a rollercoaster of a game of ups-and-downs of their 25-17, 25-15, 25-17 sweep of Philomath, to pick up their first Oregon West Conference victory Tuesday night at home.

A rollercoaster of a game in that, just as the Cougars gained some ground on the scoreboard, the Warriors drew them back in.  Cascade jumped out to a 12-6 lead, Philomath brought it back to 13-11 in the first set.  The Cougars rebuilt a lead, the Warriors brought it back to two before Cascade peeled off for the first set victory.

And it was something similar to start the second set with a lull that started the set when they fell behind 11-5 early before they spirited off for the 25-15 second set victory.  Scoring 20 of the sets last 24 points to flip the momentum into their favor going into the third set.  Something they didn’t relinquish during that final frame.as they closed out the sweep with some consistency and playing disciplined Volleyball.

“In the first set, we started off strong but then dipped down a little bit and same thing with the second set, towards the end of that second set we really fought through it and we did a really good job,” Bella Oliver said.  “It’s going to be important for us to play consistently and go out there.  I’m really glad we finished this game in three (Sets), I think that’s setting the bar for the rest of the season.”

Jaydn Daviscourt points to a sigh of relief almost that they were able to shake off the second set nerves, pointing to some that they’ve had in the past of not knowing what adjustments their opposition may have made going into the second set, but did point towards settling in and finishing that set strong in the league opener.

“We’re more tense, almost going into the second set because we’re not sure what they might bring.  But I think we did a good job coming back and we fought for each point,” Daviscourt said. “We weren’t in a rush and ‘ok.  Let’s get back to basics.  Let’s pass the ball, set the ball and get a kill’ and I think we did a really good job with that and I’m really proud of our little ones.”

Daviscourt had 20 digs, Meah Carley had 14 assist, Tayler Kam had six blocks, Annabelle Peterson had seven kills and Oliver had nine aces serving with Cascade looking to take Tuesday’s league opener to heart in settling it back down as they now turn their focus to Sweet Home on Thursday on the road.  First serve is at 6pm.

Photos By Jeremy McDonald