The Jesuit Crusaders of the 6A Conference are your 2014 ‘Clearwater Classic’ Champions, again winning the Gold Division bracket Saturday by defeating Crook County in the semifinals, and then Central Catholic in the Finals match at Bend Senior High School.
WATCH Replay of Bend vs. Reynolds HERE.
WATCH Replay of Crook County v. Jesuit & Jesuit vs. Central Catholic HERE.
Jesuit needed three sets to get the job done against the Rams, with both programs making a habit of battling each other for the top honors in this extraordinary 24-team tournament presented by Pahlisch Homes, and originally started in 1985.
Jesuit took the first set against Central Catholic 26-24, with the Rams having defeated Roseburg to reach the championship match.
The Rams would respond, winning the second set 25-20, forcing the necessary third set that would go to 15 points.
Jesuit jumped out to an early lead in the deciding set with inspired defensive play at the net, and behind powerful serves by Nicole Petersen, the Crusader outside hitter and server that regularly pounded the ball into the Ram half.
Central Catholic’s offense was sparked by a pair of seniors, 5-6 libero Alivia Skalbeck and 6-1 outside hitter Reed Jacobson who combined for multiple assists and kills throughout the match, at one point Skalbeck setting up for two straight kills from Jacobson.
Jesuit’s streak of straight set victories came to an end with the Rams’ victory in the second game, and although the Crusaders met their toughest challenge of the entire tournament by the ladies from Portland, based in the 6A-Mt. Hood Conference, Jesuit head coach Teresa Zimmerlee was certainly welcoming.
“They push us, and that’s good,” said Zimmerlee, who was the Sun Mountain Fun Center Postgame Guest for the evening. “We always feel like it’ll be a good game when we play them.”
BEND’S CALIE KRUSKA WITH THE SPIKE AGAINST REYNOLDS
Summit reached the Quarterfinals of the tournament, having placed into the Silver Division with the Bend Lava Bears, who defeated Reynolds in straight sets on PlayActionSportsMedia.com, as well as the Ridgeview Ravens, all three IMC teams playing their matches at Mountain View High School.
CROOK COUNTY’S KAYLA HAMILTON AT THE NET AGAINST JESUIT IN THE SEMIFINALS
The Redmond Panthers placed into the bronze division which held their tournament matches at Summit High School.
Now that tournament play has concluded, Central Catholic will take on Centennial on Oct. 14, and Jesuit will meet Century.
In IMC action upcoming, the Storm will meet the Ridgeview Ravens in league play on Oct. 14, followed by the Bend Lava Bears. Mountain View on Oct. 14 will meet the Redmond Panthers LIVE on www.playactionsportsmedia.com.
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