Nighthawks continue to control the court

OAKESDALE - Continuing their unbeaten streak, the Oakesdale Nighthawks defeated the Pomeroy Pirates on Tuesday, Sept. 24, and the Dayton Bulldogs on Thursday, Sept. 26.

The Nighthawks won the match against Pomeroy, 3-0, with set scores of 25-11, 25-19 and 25-13. Both teams were previously undefeated this season.

Pomeroy's Molly Warren led her team with three kills and three blocks.

"Pomeroy played well," said Oakesdale coach McKinzie Turner. "They had tough serves and an aggressive offense. Our defense really helped us to stay consistent and come out on top."

Leading the Nighthawks with three aces was Parker Davis. Megan Crider had 19 assists, Bradyn Henley had 10 kills and Grace Perry had two blocks. Lyla Kjack had eight digs in the match.

Against Dayton, Oakesdale stayed consistent and won the match, 3-0. Set scores were 25-9, 25-9 and 25-10.

Oakesdale leaders included Crider with seven aces and 23 assists, Henley with 11 kills and Kjack with six digs. Dayton leaders were Peyton Benavids with five kills, Lyla Booth with four assists, Marissa Tupling had 12 digs and Alexa Jones had three blocks.

The Nighthawks went on to play in the Linda Sheridan-Buzz Welch Crossover Classic tournament in Spokane on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27-28. Oakesdale went 2-3 overall at the tournament.

In Round 1, Pool F of the tournament, Oakesdale lost to 2A opponent West Valley of Spokane, 2-0. Set scores were 25-23, 25-18. The Nighthawks defeated 3A foes Thomas Jefferson, 2-0. Set scores were 25-15, 27-25. Oakesdale finished Round 1 with a loss to 4A team Kamiakin, 2-0. Set scores were 25-15, 25-15.

The Nighthawks were placed in the Bronze Bracket for Round 2. There, Oakesdale defeated 4A team Hanford, 2-1, with set scores of 22-25, 25-19 and 15-13. Oakesdale fell out of the bracket with a loss to Troy, Idaho, 2-1. Set scores were 25-19, 19-25 and 15-11.

Oakesdale went on to play an away match against Garfield-Palouse on Tuesday, Oct. 1, after press time.

Next up, the Nighthawks play St. John-Endicott/LaCrosse at 6 p.m. today, Thursday, Oct. 3 in St. John. The next home match is against Almira-Coulee-Hartline at noon on Saturday, Oct. 5.