Rams, Cowgirls repeat as state champions

Central Catholic went unbeaten in Oregon this season.

Photo by Cliff Pfenning, oregonsports.com

Central Catholic and Crook County did exactly what they were supposed to Saturday in the OSAA state volleyball title matches, and, in a way, so did Summit - in dramatic fashion - to close out the fall schedule.

The Rams beat Jesuit for the third straight season in the final, winning in three games for their third three-game win of the tournament. During the season, Central Catholic lost just three games.

Crook County won its sixth straight title, and second at Class 4A, with a three-game win over Hidden Valley. The Cowgirls, who won four-straight at Class 5A before dropping to 4A last year, lost just one game in the tournament.

Summit won its first Class 5A title in its third match in five years in a five-game battle with West Albany. The Storm, who ended the season ranked No. 1, rallied from a two-game deficit and won the fifth game 15-12.

At Class 3A, Burns scored a three-game win over Willamina for its fifth title and third in the last eight years.

Days Creek claimed its third title with a three-game win over Portland Christian in the Class 2A final. The Wolves lost just one game in the tournament, but were involved in one of the most competitive title runs among the six classes. Of the 10 games they played, six were decided by the minimum two points.

At Class 1A, Ione completed an unbeaten season with a five-game win over Powder Valley, taking the fifth game 15-10.

Of the six state champions, only Burns finished the season ranked lower than No. 1. The Hilanders were rated No. 3.