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Volleyball Barrett Henderson, Sports Information Director

Eastern Oregon Ends Season in Semifinals

Mountaineer volleyball caps off great year in Caldwell, Idaho

CALDWELL, Idaho -- The Southern Oregon University volleyball team defeated Eastern Oregon University in four sets for the third time this season Friday night in the Cascade Collegiate Conference semifinals.

The Mountaineers (15-9) end their season in the conference tournament after falling, 25-17, 18-25, 22-25, and 19-25. Southern Oregon (24-2) won its 15th consecutive match and head to the conference finals against the host, No. 8 The College of Idaho.

No. 13 Southern Oregon rallied back after falling in the first set behind Leanne Stennett's 13 kills and 19 digs. Caryn Westrick had a match-high 23 assists for the Raiders.

Eastern Oregon used a 7-0 run early in the first set to take a 9-2 lead and never trail in the opening game. The Mountaineers finished the set with 15 kills. SOU got as close as four points seven times in the game before falling by eight. It was the largest margin of victory between the teams in 12 games this season.

The second set opened with EOU grabbing a 5-4 lead, but the Raiders stormed back, using a 9-1 run to gain control. Chelsea Hartman had six of her 15 kills in the win. Set 3 had seven ties, the last at 14-14, before Southern took the lead for good. Eastern clawed within 24-22, but a Hartman spike ended the set.

Jessica Lea registered a triple-double for Eastern, recording a team-high 17 kills, 21 assists, and 11 digs. Grace Deboodt had nine kills and 18 digs. Kaitlyn Duncan led the Mountaineers defensively with 24 digs.

Eight of the nine Eastern Oregon losses came to ranked opponents this season. The Mountaineers had their highest seed in the conference tournament since 1990. After beginning the season receiving three votes, Eastern received a vote in every poll in 2009. It's highest amount of votes on Oct. 13 with 28, but failed to crack the top 25.

"It was a great season for EOU volleyball," EOU head coach Kaki Morehead said. "I am proud of the girls, especially the seniors. This program wouldn't be where it is without them."
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