THE GORGE — The six area Class 1A volleyball teams started matches Aug. 28 and after the first two weeks, the No. 12-ranked South Wasco County High Redsides (4-3) are once again pacing play.
South Wasco is seeking to return to the state playoffs for a sixth consecutive season in 2025. The Redsides, guided by third-year Coach Shelley Iverson, have wins over Cove, Echo, Griswold, and Pilot Rock. Their losses have been a 3-0 season opening defeat to No. 1-ranked St. Paul, 3-0 to 2A Heppner, and 2-1 to 3A McLoughlin.
South Wasco was 12-1 in the Big Sky Conference and 22-11 overall in 2024. Returning from that team is reigning player of the year, senior Jayda Iverson, and first team all-league pick Bailey Udey (also a senior). South Wasco finished its 2024 season with a loss in the second round of the 32-team 1A playoffs. The Redsides were the regular season league champions and finished third in the district tourney.
Dufur
The Rangers figure to compete with South Wasco for the Big Sky crown and are seeking a state playoff berth for the first time since 2019. Dufur (1-3), guided by Coach Aimee Bell, returns first-team all-league player Candence Young, a junior, and added transfer Hailee Pechanec to their lineup. Pechanec, a middle blocker, was honorable mention all-league in 2024 for South Wasco County.
“Hailee is an incredible athlete and a great kid, and she will be a huge asset to the team. The girls are adjusting to playing together and we are building a stronger program,” Bell said.
Sherman
The Huskies were a state playoff team a year ago and they return first-team all-league selection Addison Smith, and second-team Kiara Peters. Sherman (0-2), guided by new head Coach Kayci Sharp, is hoping to advance to the state playoffs for a second straight year and the third time in the past four years.
Horizon Christian
The Hawks (1-5) of Hood River captured their first win of the season with a 3-1 nonleague home victory over the Jewell High Blue Jays, but have lost four straight since, including a 3-0 defeat to Damascus Christian on Sept. 4.
Lyle/Wishram
The Cougars opened their season playing in the Dufur Classic Tournament on Sept. 6 and lost both matches there, to Echo and Mannahouse Christian.
Trout Lake/Glenwood
The Trout Lake/Glenwood High Eagles (0-2) opened the season Sept. 4 with a non-league road match-up against Country Christian, and they lost 3-0 in Molalla. They followed with a 3-0 loss to Open Door Christian Academy Huskies (2-0), also in the Molalla tourney.
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