PAGE A16, KEIZERTIMES, NOVEMBER 5, 2021
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McNary wins fi rst playoff match since 2015
Volleyball
The McNary volleyball team celebrates after defeating Grant in four sets in the first round of the OSAA playoffs.
BY MATT RAWLINGS
Of the Keizertimes
Whether it was injuries, heart-
breaking losses, or needing players to
change positions, the McNary volley-
ball squad had their fair share of trials
during the regular season.
But when adversity hit in the Celtics
opening round playoff match against
Grant, they responded in resounding
fashion.
After dropping the fi rst set, McNary
rallied back to win the next three
games, defeating Grant 19-25, 25-20,
25-17, 25-21 on Wednesday, Oct. 27 to
win their fi rst postseason match since
2015.
“I am so excited for them. We have
been battling and overcoming one
obstacle at a time with injuries and
fi guring out players playing diff erent
positions,” McNary head coach Crystal
DeMello said. “They have been able to
make that journey all season and come
out here and take care of business
against a great team. We are beyond
happy.”
Junior middle blocker Emily Blagg
led the Celtics with 16 kills and Emily
Lettenmaier added 13 kills for the
Celtics in the win.
“It feels amazing honestly. Our team
really came together,” Lettenmaier said
about the victory.
The Celtics led 10-6 in the fi rst
set, thanks to back-to-back kills from
Blagg. However, Grant took advantage
of some sloppy play from McNary and
SPORTS
Photo by MATT RAWLINGS of Keizertimes
went on a 12-1 run to take a command-
ing 18-11 advantage. The Generals fi n-
ished off the set by winning 25-19 to
gain a 1-0 edge in the match.
Before the second set, DeMello
made a key adjustment and subbed in
an extra defensive
specialist to help
the Celtics cover
the court better.
The move paid div-
idends as McNary
took a 14-7 lead to
begin the second
set, quieting the
previously raucous
home crowd.
“It is all about
small adjustments.
Defense is a huge
component for us
and we are so
lucky to have
fi ve (defensive
specialists) that
push the pace
of practice every
single day,” DeMello said. “We were
able to put a lot of them in at the same
time and that was a game changer for
us. They all did an excellent job.”
Another key for the Celtics was the
return of junior setter Maddison Corpe,
They have been able to
make that journey all
season and come out
here and take care of
business against a
great team. We are
beyond happy.
— CRYSTAL DEMELLO
McNary head coach