No. 6-ranked Grizzlies edge Molalla to wrap up solid run in championship bracket
By Kris Henry, Rogue Valley Times
After making a strong statement during Day 1 of the Class 5A/4A boys volleyball state tournament a day prior, Ashland kept the foot on the pedal Saturday to finish third in the championship bracket at Olympus Sports Center in Hillsboro.
The Grizzlies (17-12) had entered the season-ending tournament ranked No. 6 in the 5A/4A ranks but created an opening for a higher showing after placing first during pool play Friday with wins over No. 3 La Salle Prep and No. 11 Estacada.
In Saturday’s opener, Ashland was able to clinch a spot in the championship semifinals with a two-set win over No. 7 Thurston but couldn’t back that up with another tournament upset, falling 26-24, 25-23 to second-ranked Silverton to fall into the third-place finals.
In the Grizzlies’ final match of the season, they willed their way to a 25-23, 25-21 triumph over No. 8 Molalla to place third overall.
“It was a great experience and they left wanting more and are excited for the next year and (next) season,” said Ashland boys volleyball coach Tia Peterson.
Sebastian Hunter saved his best match of the tournament for the last one, collecting 13 kills and three blocks, while Noah Hendrix supplied eight kills, four digs and 11 assists for the Grizzlies
John Bare came up with 11 digs and Grayson Higley had four kills and eight digs for Ashland in the third-place match.
The Oregon School Activities Association ruled last October that this spring would be the first season as an emerging activity for boys volleyball. There will be another similar season in 2025 before the OSAA executive board will vote on whether to officially sanction the activity in 2026 or keep it at its current status.
Reach Rogue Valley Times sports editor Kris Henry at khenry@rv-times.com or 458-488-2035. This story first appeared in the Rogue Valley Times.
