The Mounties are celebrating, as they advance to the next round of playoffs.
Slow Start, Killer Finish for Eastern Oregon
LA GRANDE, Ore- The Mounties bounced back after losing the first two games against the Cavaliers of Concordia University (20-25, 19-25, 25-22, 25-12, 15-10). EOU took control in the third game with momentum on their side.
The first game was a battle back and forth, until the Cavaliers took control mid-way through, finishing the game 25-20. The second game was also in control of the Cavaliers, as the Mounties got within close, but never took the lead.
The Mountaineers came out ready to play in game three. The Cavaliers tied the game mid-way through at 10-10 and took the lead until the Mounties pulled ahead at 17-16 and there was no turning back, winning 25-22.
EOU went into game four with momentum on their side, leading then entire game (25-12). Concordia game out strong game five, taking the lead early, until the Mounties pulled it together to tie 4-4, again at 8-8, and took control to finish 15-10. Head Coach Kaki McLean stated, "I was really proud of the girls tonight; because they showed character being down two games, and winning the next three. They showed mental toughness, heart, and I was proud of them for pushing through to the end."
The Crook County trio came ready to play; all three came up with double-digits in kills. Grace Deboodt led the Mounties with a game-high 16 kills, Jessica Lea had a double-double with 13 kills and 33 assists, and Melanie Ceciliani added 12 kills. Also with a double-double, Chelsea Herron with 21 assists and 11 digs. Senior Sareena Simpson contributed with a game-high 24 digs on the night and teammate Natassia Quintrell stepped up big for the Mounties with 10 digs.
"Having three people in double digits tonight was a huge factor; that is the kind of momentum we need going into College of Idaho on Friday," stated McLean.
#1 seed College of Idaho and #2 seed Southern Oregon University received byes tonight. Oregon Institute of Technology faced Corban Colelge and won in three (25-16, 25-19, 25-17).
EOU will travel to College of Idaho Friday, November 14th to face #1 seed College of Idaho at 7:00 MST. Also on Friday at College of Idaho, #2 seed Southern Oregon University will face Oregon Institute of Technology at 4:00 MST.
The winners of Friday's semifinals matches will play Saturday, November 15th at 7:00MST at College of Idaho for the 2008 Cascade Collegiate Conference Championship title.