6 HERMISTON East Oregonian/Hermiston Herald Wednesday, September 2, 2015 Bulldog netters hope new coach, revamped style lead to success By SAM BARBEE East Oregonian HERMISTON — Like it’s football counterpart, the Hermiston Volleyball team must replace a number of starters from last year’s playoff team, as well as adjust to a new face on the bench. After Becky Wadekamper announced her retirement last spring, Hermiston hired Dorothy Smith to take over a volleyball program that is close to breaking through. Under Wadekamper, the Bulldogs won a league title in 2013, could never make a run in the playoffs. Under Smith, things will be different, she said, but also expect a quick, up-tempo style that is both exciting and plays to the strengths of a quick, athletic roster. Up front will be sophomore Maddy Juul. After playing three varsity sports as a freshman — volleyball, basketball and track and ¿eld — she said she is more comfortable now, and it has showed. She performed well in the summer basketball schedule, and has imprssed Smith thus far with her athleticism and con¿- dence. “When you play at this level as a freshman, it’s kinda nervewracking because it’s so different,” Juul said. “With the year of experience now, it’ll be better, I think.” Smith agreed. “Part of it is it doesn’t matter what grade you are,” she said. “You’re here because you’re supposed to be here. You’re here to do your job. She is owning that front net when she’s up there.” But Juul isn’t alone on the Àoor. Rotating in a Àexible role will be junior Kynzee Padilla. Clarissa Nitz has claimed the setter role in place of departed Brea Kestler. Junior Jazmin Cooper has also Coach: Dorothy Smith, 1st year claimed the libero spot in place of 2014 result: 13-8, 7-2 CRC (2nd), lost to Bend 3-1 in Briana Wolfe. But the Bulldogs aren’t just ¿rst round of state playoffs Returners: Clarissa Nitz, jr., Hayden Meyers, jr., new, they’re also young. Herm- iston boasts a roster with just two Mikayla Kopacz, sr., Kynzee Padilla, jr., Maddy Juul, soph. seniors — Mikayla Kopacz and Kiersten Miller — six juniors and two sophomores. Though they’ve Sept. 1 vs. La Grande 7 p.m. never played a regular season Sept. 4 at Mountain View Tourney game for Smith, Hermiston had Sept. 12 at Yakima Sundome Tourney played for her throughout the *Sept. 17 vs. The Dalles 7 p.m. summer and they learned Smith’s Sept. 19 at Century Tournament 8 a.m. coaching style and system then. *Sept. 22 at Hood River Valley 7 p.m. The ¿rst few weeks of practice, *Sept. 24 vs. Pendleton 7 p.m. then, were simply getting back *Sept. 29 at The Dalles 7 p.m. into it, not installing a new *Oct. 1 vs. Hood River Valey 7 p.m. system. Junior Hayden Meyers Oct. 3 at Westview Tournament said that will will be a boon, not *Oct. 6 vs. Pendleton 7 p.m. an anchor. *Oct. 10 at Glencoe Tournament 8 a.m. “It feels pretty simple,” Meyers *Oct. 13 vs. The Dalles 7 p.m. said. “It’s just like stepping into a *Oct. 15 at Hood River Valley 7 p.m. new role with her.” *Oct. 20 at Pendleton 7 p.m. Bulldogs Volleyball File Photo Hermiston’s Edwin Rosales chases down a loose ball as keeper Antonio Campos looks on in the first half of Hermiston’s Columbia River Conference soc- cer match against Hood River Valley last season. Hermiston boys soccer Coach: Rich Harsberger, 9th year 2014 results: 9-5, 4-2 CRC (2nd), lost 2-0 to Putman in play-in round Key returners: Freddy Rodriguez, jr., Edwin Rosales, sr., Enrique Leal, sr., John Mejia, sr. On where Hermiston ¿ts into the CRC: “I’m still expecting to be right there at the top of the league. That’s something our program’s getting to, that we will always be able to compete at the top of the league.” Schedule: Staff photo by E.J. Harris Hermiston’s Hayden Mey- ers attempts to block a shot in Hermiston. GOOD LUCK HERMISTON BULLDOGS! Schedule: Good Luck Teams! HERMISTON GLASS 541-567-6679 • 800-835-3137 1895 N. 1st Place, Hermiston CCB# 147211 Go DAWGS! Proud of our Bulldogs! Gordon’s ELECTRIC, INC. ELECTRICAL • COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL • INDUSTRIAL 80891 Hwy 395 N, Hermiston 541-567-0114 GO DAWGS! GOLF CENTER 30640 Hwy 730 Umatilla, OR 541-922-3466 W HEN E VERY D ROP C OUNTS Irrigation Specialists has served the Oregon and Washington markets since 1970 - over 40 years of quality service and support. We are a full service irrigation dealership. Whether you are a farmer, landscaper, irrigation district or homeowner we have the right products and services for you. www.irrspec.com 541-567-6370 • 81156 N. 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Hermiston Ave, Hermiston • (541) 567-6474 www.burnsmortuaryhermiston.com 120 NE 3rd St. • Hermiston 541-567-2008 Aug. 29 vs. Umatilla 11 a.m. Sept. 5 vs. La Grande 11 a.m. Sept. 8 at David Douglas 4 p.m. Sept. 10 vs. McLoughlin 6 p.m. Sept. 15 at La Salle Prep 4:15 p.m. Sept. 19 vs. Putnam 1 p.m. Sept. 22 at Century (Hillsboro) 5 p.m. Sept. 24 vs. Rooselvelt 4 p.m. *Sept. 29 vs. The Dalles 4:30 p.m. *Oct. 6 at Hood River Valley 4:30 p.m. *Oct. 13 at Pendleton 4:30 p.m. *Oct. 15 at The Dalles 4:30 p.m. *Oct. 20 vs. Hood River Valley 4 p.m. *Oct. 27 vs. Pendleton 5:30 p.m. *Coumbia River Conference game 541-567-6351 Fax 541-567-7672 242 E. Main Street Hermiston Go Dawgs! INSURANCE CENTER, INC. Insuring Eastern Oregon For Over 30 Years www.wheatlandins.com 243-A East Main Street, Hermiston (541) 567-5618 Pendleton • Athena • Hermiston Heppner • Ione • La Grande • Enterprise Elgin • Baker City • Condon