South Albany @ Crescent Valley OSAA 5A Volleyball 9-12-2024

The Crescent Valley Raiders Volleyball team hosted the South Albany Redhawks in a matchup of top-rated teams in the Mid Willamette Conference.  South Albany came in flying high and looking to make waves this season in the hopes of putting together a season that ends in a State Championship.  Crescent Valley, two-time defending State Champs came in with a new look team after losing 4 Seniors, including "all-world" Libero, Dani Street and Taelyn Bentley (Senior, MB, #12), who incidentally transferred to South Albany.

The Raiders also have a new Coach, McKenna Smith, who takes on the tough task of leading a team with very high expectations, but has many new faces.  Gone is Dani Street; replaced by Karsyn Horn (Sophomore, L, #1), but Kamden Mitchell (Senior, S, #5) and Bella Jacobson (Senior, OH, #7) still anchor the Raiders.  Sure to see more time on the court this season for the Raiders are Georgia Vawter (Sophomore, OH, #9) and Emma Yenchik (Junior, MB/RS, #13).

As for the game, it was great to watch.  Normally, this type of intensity is reserved for the playoffs, but from the time we walked in the gym, we could feel this one would be special.  South Albany, came into the game undefeated and led by a core of returning players including Taylor Donaldson (Junior, OH, #16), Klaire Bitter (Senior, S, #2) and Maddie Angel (Junior, L, #15) as well as transfer Taelyn Bentley.

The game was all it we could have expected.  Back and forth.  Big hits, great blocks and tough digs.

The first two sets were very close.  Both coaches calling timeouts late in the sets to settle their players and solidify their game plans, but the Redhawks won those sets, 25-20 and 25-23.  The third set was a little different.  Although the score was relatively close; 25-18, it seemed like South Albany was well in control.

At this point, early in the season, both of these teams look like they are headed for post-season play.  I imagine future matchups between these two teams will be crazy exciting.

I personally will be watching both of these teams again throughout the season.

Remember to keep an eye out here for more coverage and photos here and on instagram @_tayler.j_ and @liljayj1.

More photos available on Maxpreps.

-JAY