Sports Zone

High School Sports Zone previews: Soccer, Volleyball & Cross Country, Oct. 3-10, 2024

Girls’ Soccer: Pleasant Hill (6-2-2) #12

The Billies will play host to No.11 Sisters Outlaws on Monday. Earlier in the season, the Billies lost in a tight game of 1-0 against the Outlaws. The Billies and the Outlaws are neck and neck in their league rankings and the Outlaws are their biggest league rival yet. They’ll be the Billies’ biggest test of the season if they want a shot at playoffs. In 2023, Sisters made it to the semifinals at playoffs and ended their season #4 in 3A. The Outlaws hold the most wins against the Billies in an overall score of (3-0-3) in their two-year history. Junior striker Trinity Smead will be a key part of the offense for scoring against the Outlaws along with 2023 first-team all-league Tessa Hammond.

Girls Soccer

Cottage Grove Lions (3-2, #14)

Kicking off: The Lions will battle No. 31 Marshfield tonight. So far, the Pirates are winless, with only 2 goals and one forfeit. The Lions are on a winning streak and feeling good about their recent win against rival Creswell. Offensively, they’ll continue to rely on Brielle Engle, Emmy Bickford and Maddie France.

Creswell Bulldogs (6-1-2, #7)

Kicking off: Although the Bulldogs may still be hurting from their loss against Cottage Grove, after their win against Elmira, the Bulldogs feel more in control. They’ll replay No.10 Sisters Outlaws tonight, who they beat with ease earlier in the season, 3-1. Offensively, they’ll continue to depend on Mila Nguyen, Elliette Kinney, and Kendal Durflinger. Defensively, Jordyn Marklin, Raelee Green, and 2023 1st-team all-league goalie Kylie Leonard.

Volleyball

Cottage Grove Lions (5-4, #15)

Setting up: The Lions will hit the road to the Pleasant Hill Invitational this weekend. Pleasant Hill remains the top 4A competitor of the 2024 season. However, the Lions have demonstrated they’re full of surprises this season, such as their win against the Creswell Bulldogs. They’ll continue to rely on standout players such as senior setter Bailee Fournier, junior outside hitter Mariah Bailey and junior second outside hitter Taylor Bennett

Creswell Bulldogs (8-8, #13)

Setting up: The Bulldogs hit the road to battle the Elmira Flacons on Senior Night. The Bulldogs already had swept the Falcons 3-0 this season, and based on their rapid improvement, they should have no trouble in their rematch. Vika Gabrio, Piper Hanson, and Teighlor Nunez remain key to the Bulldogs’ offense.

Pleasant Hill (16-0, #1)

Setting up: The Billies continue to be undefeated and dominate Class 3A. They’ll host the Pleasant Hill Invitational this weekend, facing teams such as Burns, Salem Academy, Cottage Grove, and Marshfield. Although the Billies are undefeated, head coach Jessica Crawford continues to raise the bar and is working on “polishing” and “cleaning up” the performance of the Billies. 

Springfield Millers (5-8, #18)

Setting up: The Millers will battle North Eugene today at the Millers Pavillion. The Millers are attempting to find their groove after a string of losses from the absence of star players due to injuries. They’ll continue to lean on senior middle Julissa Henderson and senior Sofia Yow.

Thurston Colts (2-8) #24

Setting up: The Colts are excited to have earned several victories recently, most notably against the rival Springfield Millers. Up next, they’ll hit the road to Ashland, who’s remained a strong league competitor over the years. Defensively, the Colts lean on junior outside hitter Addison Nelson.

Boys Soccer

Cottage Grove Lions (4-2, #7)

Kicking off: Tonight, the Lions hit the road and face the No. 26 Marshfield Pirates. Last year, the Lions won 3-0 against the Pirates. In addition, the Pirates are struggling with a string of losses and have earned only one win thus far (1-5). Junior ​​Emmanuel Rea continues to be key for CG’s offense and goalkeeper Josh Burner leads the defense.

Creswell Bulldogs (5-2-1, #21)

Kicking off: The Bulldogs will travel to face No. 63 East Linn Christian. The Eagles have earned only one win this season. In addition, in 2023, the Bulldogs handled the Eagles with a 4-0 win. They’ll need to rely on the support of senior GK Deacon Edwards and junior midfielder Brady Pratt.

Pleasant Hill (2-5-2, #61)

Kicking off: The Billies head to the No. 28 Santiam Christian Eagles this Tuesday. Both teams have been experiencing a number of highs and lows this season.   

Springfield Millers (1-4-1, #24)

Kicking off: The visiting Millers face the No.18 North Eugene Highlanders on Tuesday. In 2023, the Highlanders beat the Millers 5-1. Springfield’s Leo Rivera and Jack Sayre remain important players for the Millers. 

Thurston Colts (3-5, #24)

Kicking off: The Colts take a week off from games and play next Saturday at No.15 Ashland. The Grizzlies got the edge over the Colts last year when they won 3-0. The Colts have been winning lately, and rely on Cole Woodman and Nano Martinez, and the talents of Tucker Fitzpatrick, Tyler Raven, and Noah Zanotto. 

Cross Country

Woahink Lake XC Invitational

■ Cottage Grove, Creswell and Pleasant Hill head to East Woahink Lake at Honeyman State Park. Be on the lookout for Cottage Grove’s Carter Bengtson, who is first in Class 4A, and Ella Cardwell, one of only four girls from CGHS over the past 20 years to break 20 minutes in the 5k.

The Harrier Classic

■ Springfield and Thurston will hit the road to Bryant Park. For Thurston, standouts such as Carson Buergey and Owen Smith seek to build on outstanding performances.

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