Cottage Grove dropped its undefeated streak at the North Marion Tournament last week. However, the week started successfully, they beat Newport 3-1 on Tuesday and Sweet Home 3-0 on Thursday. In the early games of the tournament, they won 2-0 against Molalla. However, they lost 2-0 against Philomath in their last game.
In Class 3A, Creswell went 2-1 last week. It started with a 3-0 win against Class 4A North Bend. However, the Bulldogs fell to Class 4A Marshfield 3-0. Then, they started the Mountain Valley Conference against Sisters on Thursday and lost by one set, 3-2. Pleasant Hill went 2-0 last week in the regular season and then went 2-1 at the Marist Invitational last week. There, they replayed Class 5A Springfield and lost to the Millers 2-1
Springfield started the Midwestern League last 0-2 against Churchill and Ashland, and then went 2-1 at the Marist Catholic Invitational last weekend. They saw the Billies for the second time after meeting at the North Star Jamboree and beat them 2-1 in their rematch. Lastly, Thurston went 1-1 last week in the Midwestern League last week. It began with a 3-1 victory over the Eagle Point Eagles. The formidable Crater Comets then took the win over the Colts 3-2 on Thursday.
PREVIEWS
#5 COTTAGE GROVE LIONS (7-1)
Setting up: The Lions begin Sky-Em League this next week. This will be the real challenge for the Lions, as they hope to sustain their preseason and non-league success. Look for Jayda Bruner, Mariah Bailey, and Taylor Bennett.
#17 CRESWELL BULLDOGS (5-6)
Setting up: The Bulldogs continue the Mountain Valley Conference and battle their rival, the Pleasant Hill Billies, on Tuesday. On Thursday, they’ll invite La Pine to their home court.
#11 PLEASANT HILL BILLIES (7-5)
Setting up: The Billies invite Creswell and Harrisburg to their home court in Mountain Valley Conference this week. Last year, the Billies went 2-0 with their rivals. However, after the Billies lost most of their star players, the Bulldogs may be the favorite this year.
#27 SPRINGFIELD MILLERS (3-6)
Setting up: The Millers continue the Midwestern League this week against Eagle Point and the local rival, the Thurston Colts. Last year, the Millers went 0-2 with Thurston. Now that both programs have new coaches, anything can happen.
#20 THURSTON COLTS (2-4)
Setting up: The Colts play Churchill and Springfield in league play this week. Churchill is seated to be in second place in the Midwestern League this year. Watch for Jennifer Newell, Emma Efseaff, and Payton Tovey.
