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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 31, 2019)
THE ASTORIAN FALL SPORTS PREVIEW SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 2019 • 5 ASTORIA VOLLEYBALL Oct. 3 at Valley Catholic 6:30 p.m. Coach: Jessie Todd, 4th year Oct. 10 at Seaside 6:30 p.m. 2018: 9-12 (2-6 Cowapa) Oct. 12 at Seaside Tournament, TBA Playoff s: Lost play-in match at Marist, 0-3 Oct. 15 Banks 6:30 p.m. All-league losses: None Oct. 17 at Tillamook 6:30 p.m. All-league returners: Halle Helmersen, Jr., Julia Norris, Sr., Hailey O’Brien, Sr. Oct. 19 at Marshfi eld Tournament, TBA SCHEDULE Oct. 22 Valley Catholic 6:30 p.m. Aug. 30 at Catlin Gabel Noon Have a Sept. 5 Estacada 6 p.m. Sept. 7 Cascade Tournament, TBA Sept. 12 Rainier 6 p.m. Sept. 14 at Dallas Tournament, TBA Sept. 19 at North Marion 6 p.m. Hailey Hoff man/The Astorian A player spikes the ball over the net. Great Season! CLATSOP POWER EQUIPMENT, INC. SALES • SERVICE • RENTALS Sept. 24 Seaside 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at Banks 6:30 p.m. Oct. 1 Tillamook 6:30 p.m. SET TO WIN By GARY HENLEY The Astorian T he 2019-20 school year has all the makings of a big year for girls’ sports at Astoria High School. A basketball team that’s ready to chal- lenge for a 4A state title and a softball team prepared to take over the Cowapa League standings will join the already strong cross-country and track programs. Volleyball is also ready to make its move, as Jessie Todd begins her third sea- son as the Astoria coach. And year No. 3 all centers around three athletes who will be major contributors in basketball and softball as well — seniors Julia Norris and Hailey O’Brien, and junior Halle Helmersen. Norris is a setter/hitter, O’Brien wears the libero uniform, and Helmersen is an outside hitter/middle blocker. All three were all-league last season. In addition to the big three, the Lady Fishermen have a number of returning players for the volleyball season. Middle blocker Kajsa Jackson is back for her senior season, while a large junior class includes Kelsey Fausett and Landri Mickle (both outside hitters/middle block- ers), along with defensive specialist Skylar Sturtz and setter Taja-Rae Tuimato. Setter/right-side hitter Mollie Matthews is the lone sophomore on the roster. “Our goal is always to improve each day and compete every night,” Todd said. League-wise, the challenges are still there, to be sure. League and defending state champion Valley Catholic is still fully stocked, return- ing fi ve of seven all-league players. Tillamook took a big step forward by fi nishing second in league and was ranked sixth in state last season, while Banks hopes to bounce back from a so-so season (12-12 overall, 4-4 in league), returning four of fi ve all-league starters. “I am expecting the league will be very even again this year,” Todd said. “Every night will be a battle. We are all so evenly matched, it’s going to take a lot of grit to pull off wins. “Valley is coming off of a state title and only lost one senior,” she said of the Val- iants. “They will be really tough. Banks, Seaside and Tillamook had more seniors leave but are well coached, so I’m expect- ing them to bounce back from their losses and be very competitive.” 34912 HWY 101 BUS • ASTORIA 503-325-0792 • 1-800-220-0792 EMERALD HEIGHTS APARTMENTS EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY 503-325-8221 Go Teams! 620 OLNEY AVE., ASTORIA 503-325-2855 OPEN DAILY 11 AM -11 PM www.wadsworthelectric.com WADSWE*916L9 • CCB#2404 (503) 325-5501
