John L. Braese
IMBLER – After wrapping up the regular season with a first place showing in the 1A Old Oregon League, the Imbler volleyball team closed out the year with a fourth-place finish in the state tournament, the Sportsmanship trophy and witnessing a senior depart with all-tournament first team honors.
Last season, the Panthers finished the season with a 19-15 overall record, a third place showing in the 1A Old Oregon League. The team advanced to the state tournament but fell before the round of eight with a 1-3 loss to Powder Valley in the second round.
Fast forward to this season, the Panthers failed to lose a set in both the first and second rounds of the state tournament. In the quarterfinals, Imbler fell to St. Paul (the state’s eventual third place team). In the consolation round, the Panthers again never lost a set, downing both Central Christian and Powder Valley by scores of 3-0.
“I am super proud of the way this group came together,” said Imbler coach Jennifer Teeter. “We had younger kids step up and we faced some tough challenges during the season. We played a tough schedule, one that paid off for us. This team showed what effort and dedication means and persevered through some tough losses. I saw a huge improvement in their mental game as the season progressed and I think they learned what it meant to be a team.”
In addition to fourth place, the Panthers returned to Imbler with the Sportsmanship trophy.
“This award was really the cherry on top of the year,” Teeter said. “Athletics are an opportunity to learn life lessons and I am proud to have this team recognized for their efforts. Imbler showed how to be humble in victories.”
Senior Rachael Stirewalt also was called to center court at the tournament, named as a first team all-tournament player.
Teeter not only faces next season without Stirewalt, but also will not see the faces of Marlen Rivas, Jayda Cant and Mikinah Browne as the four take the graduation walk.
