East Oregonian
PENDLETON — Hermiston clinched at least a share of the Columbia River Conference volleyball title by besting an old rival Tuesday night when the Bulldogs knocked off Pendleton 3-2 at Warberg Court.
The victory (25–23, 17–25, 25–13 , 19–25, 15–6) was Hermiston’s eighth straight over the Buckaroos, including seven league wins.
Senior middle blocker Crystal Schmidt unleashed on the Pendleton team, racking up 23 kills for the Bulldogs (14 –6, 8–1 CRC). Her strikes provided energy for the team, Hermiston head coach Becky Wadekamper said, but her defensive effort is what really clinched the win.
“Crystal’s been real solid,” Wadekamper said of the 6-foot-1 senior who accounted for 11 blocks. “She’s got a good jump range that makes her very formidable. Between her and (our outside blockers), we have a solid block on that right side."