September 12, 2013

Eagles Drop Opener to Lowell in 4 Sets

In an early dust up featuring two of the Mt. West League’s top Volleyball teams, the visiting Lowell Red Devils defeated the McKenzie Eagles at Finn Rock on Tuesday in 4 sets, 25-18, 25-27, 25-20, and 25-22. Lowell (1-0) and the Eagles (0-1) renewed the rivalry that has seen both teams usually battle for the Mt. West League Title and an OSAA State Berth. The Eagles goal of an unprecedented fourth consecutive Mt. West League Championship was handed at least a temporary setback, but the Eagles have previously proven they can bounce back and will look to their experience and deep bench to make this year’s run interesting as well. Tuesday, McKenzie was led by Junior Buggy Hiddleston with 13 kills and 10 digs. Senior teammate Shyla Harlan tallied 14 digs, while Senior Ayshia Seiler led her team with 22 assists. Senior Makaila Hiddleston added 9 kills in the match.

McKenzie Evens Season Record With Win at Eddyville

The visiting McKenzie Eagles dispatched the home Eddyville Eagles last Thursday, Sept. 5, in 4 sets, 25-15, 25-12, 26-28, and 25-16. The win evened McKenzie’s season record at 1-1. Makaila Hiddleston had an outstanding evening at the Coast Range school as she amassed 12 kills, 21 digs, 2 aces and 2 blocks. Sister teammate Buggy Hiddleston also had a fine time visiting as she contributed 12 kills, 16 digs, 3 aces and 2 blocks. Ayshia Seiler led her team with 28 assists along with 3 blocks. Katey Totten showed her skill game with 10 kills, 8 digs, 3 aces, and a team leading 4 blocks. Other McKenzie Eagles Shyla Harlan added 5 kills and 18 digs, Alyda Mathews led her team in aces with 4, and Tamara Satchell contributed 8 kills and 5 digs.

Head Coach Dan Brenner’s team now faces one of its busiest weeks on the schedule with a match at Crow on Monday, Sept. 9, a match on the road with Triangle Lake on Wednesday, Sept. 11, a home match versus Mapleton on Thursday, Sept. 12, and a three-way non-League date at home, Friday, Sept. 13 with Portland Lutheran and Crane. The first three matches of the week are with Mt. West League opponents and could set the tone for the early season as all three teams represent formidable opposition. All three matches tip off at 6:00 pm. Out of the skillet and into the fire could easily describe the Friday matches with Portland Lutheran and Crane. Portland Lutheran ended the Eagles season last year in the 2nd round of the OSAA State Volleyball Championships on it’s way to a 5th place finish at the State Final Round. Crane’s team made the first round of the State Championship, losing to Cove. These matches should allow the Eagles to assess how it stacks up against a couple of perennial volleyball powerhouses. The first match with Portland Lutheran starts at 2:00 pm. with the second match with Crane tipping off at 5:00 pm.

Buggy Hiddleston Leads Eagles Over Cougars

McKenzie tuned up its busy Volleyball week on a positive note Monday evening as they conquered the Crow Cougars on the road in 3 straight sets, 25-22, 25-15, and 25-16. The Mt. West League victory was the second in a row for the Eagles and put their record at 2-1. Jr. Buggy Hiddleston dominated the offensive and defensive Eagle efforts as she led her team with 9 kills, 11 digs and 2 blocks. Sr. Ayshia Seiler was on her game as well as she served up 5 aces and 6 digs while chalking up a team high 19 assists. Shyla Harlan added 6 kills and 3 digs, Makaila Hiddleston had 5 kills and 5 digs, Delphine Clark put up 8 digs defensively, and Katey Totten contributed 6 digs and 3 kills in the match.

McKenzie Football Hosts the Mustangs of Crane

The Eagle football team plays host to the Crane Mustangs on Friday, Sept. 13, with the kickoff scheduled for 6:00 pm. on Wade Thomas Field. Crane, out of the High Desert League south and east of Burns defeated the Eagles last season at home 78-22. The game will complete the non-League portion of McKenzie’s schedule as it will host Lowell on Sept. 20.