South Salem middle blocker Nora Kartye, ’28, jumps to set the ball over the net during the first round of the OSAA 6A Volleyball Playoffs against Century High School. Photo taken by Connor Stewart, ’26.
First Round Fanatics
It took less than an hour for the second-seeded Saxons to defeat Century High’s varsity volleyball squad. For their first match in this year’s Oregon State Athletic Association’s (OSAA) 6A Volleyball State Championships, the Lady Saxons hosted the 21-seed Jaguars from Century High. The Lady Saxons kept this bout short, upending the Jaguars’ season in three sets (25-7, 25-13, 25-19).
South Salem came into tonight’s game with a win-loss record of 24-4, ranking second behind local rival Sprague High School in the 6A tournament . They ended their regular season not only with a win, but with a seven game win streak dating back to October 11. Century entered the post-season with a 10-14 record, boasting a two-game win streak.
Tonight’s Battle Against Century
In the pursuit of post-season success, South Salem led wire-to-wire in the first two sets, allowing the Jaguars only 20 points — seven in the first and 13 in the second. It was not until the first serve of the final set that Century High had a lead. But, in the following serve the Saxons won the point and regained the serve, revitalizing their lead.
The Lady Saxons seemed on course to close out the third set with little intervention; that was until Century found another gear from within. At the 24-13 point in the third set, Century zoned in on South’s defensive weaknesses, making a six-point run to up the set score to 24-19. However, after an unsuccessful serve, they had officially lost any chance at extending their post-season.
While it ended quick, tonight’s game was not without competition. Beside from Century’s late-game heroics, the two teams rallied often throughout the first two sets, garnering reactions from both sides of the bleachers.
What’s Next?
Although Century’s season is over, the Saxons have another home game to look forward to. They host the Barlow High School Bears this Saturday, November 1 — the time is still undetermined. Barlow, the 18 seed in this year’s 32-team bracket, will enter the match fresh off a 3-0 upset over South’s local rival, the 15-seed West Salem Titans.
Both Barlow and South Salem played tonight, meaning they both have two days of preparation before the Sweet Sixteen. Last year South Salem advanced all the way to the Quarterfinals; but before they continue for state-wide success, they must defend their homecourt against the underdogs.
