New league may lead to new opportunities for HRV volleyball team

HOOD RIVER — Following two weeks of practice, the Hood River Valley girls volleyball team has a positive outlook this year as they’ll be seeking to advance to the OSAA Class 5A state playoffs for the first time since 2018.

Last season, the Eagles had a 7-9 record in the very tough Northwest Oregon Conference; they were 10-14 overall and took sixth place in the nine-team league standings while guided by first-year Coach Emily Curtis. It marked their second consecutive sixth-place finish. The Eagles have hopes to move up and finish higher in the standings this year, particularly because the NWOC had numerous changes in the offseason which will very likely be a benefit for HRV. Gone are 5A perennial playoff teams Wilsonville and La Salle Prep, and Canby.

Centennial High is the top returning NWOC team from 2025. Newcomers to the league include St. Helens (12-8 in 2025 in Class 4A) and the Sandy High Pioneers (18-7 in 2025 in Class 6A).

“We’re a very young team, but it’s a very strong group of players, which is one positive aspect,” said Curtis. “We’re going to be a fast-paced team, and I think that we will have a good opportunity to reach the state playoffs this year. I’m just trying to get the girls to buy into that philosophy and help them build their confidence level up higher.”

The Eagles got off to an early start to their season competing in a jamboree Aug. 27 at Sandy High School. The Eagles opened their 17-game schedule by playing a non-league contest, Sept. 1 at home against the WIAA Class 1A Columbia High Bruins.

“We have a couple of transfer students, and we have one freshman on the varsity team, so that’s definitely a plus,” said Curtis. “I’m really very excited about the season and we’ll continue practicing hard in the gym to prepare for the season.”

The Eagle lost four graduated seniors from last season but they have a solid group of players returning this year, led by the senior duo of libero/defensive specialist Reagan Mooney and middle blocker Addi Van Metre. The Eagles have height that will help them become a solid offensive squad, including 6-foot-1 sophomore Eleanor Buser and two 5-foot-10 players in Van Metre and freshman Mylee Rieke.

An experienced group of juniors, Taylor Duckwall, Lylah Hunter, Lyla Mall, Honey Wampler Bryan, Emma Malley and Corri Koscina, will also help make contributions on the court for Hood River. Mall was an NWOC all-league setter last year.

“I think that there’s always a lot to learn and every team is different in their dynamics,” said Curtis. “This year I’m excited because this team is such a fantastic group of girls and they all just love playing volleyball. Most of them have been playing club volleyball all year around and they’re all excited to be back playing at Hood River Valley High School now.”