SAINTS DEFROST THE PENGUINS

The Mt. Hood volleyball team has started its 2019-20 season with a 9-5 record and was sitting in third place in the South Region of the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC), in action through Sept. 19. 

While most students were easing back toward school, the Saints faced the Clark College Penguins at home on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and took a thrilling five-set win.

During the first set it seemed the visiting team had the action under control after going up, 20-16. The Saints then subbed in freshman Katie Saephanh, and roared back into the lead, scoring 9 straight points and winning the first set, 25-20. In the second set both teams went at it, when the Penguins made a run, leaving the Saints trailing, 23-16. The home team tried to get the crowd involved and get back into the game but came up short, 25-20.

Clark began to take control of the match, and won the third set, 25-21. In the fourth set, though, the home team kept it close and fought through. The Penguins coach questioned some of the official’s calls and the crowd became engaged. The home team got an energy boost, and took the set, 25-21. 

In the final set, both teams kept the game close. Clark was leading 8-6, but the Saints gathered momentum for a final comeback, pulling off a 15-13 win.

The Saints play today at Rogue Community College in Medford, then play Southwestern Oregon Community College on Saturday, in Coos Bay. Their next home contest will be on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at home against Lane Community College at 6:30 p.m.

Advocate Staff