Josie Dickson has at times played in the shadow of hitters like Ashley Feltz and Maranda Hanson. However, it was her turn to shine in the spotlight as she went 3 for 3 at the plate, harvesting 4 RBIs and scoring a run as the Elmira rebounded from late season losses to punish Newport 11-1 in the five inning play in contest. The Lady Falcons return to the play offs with a first round date on the road Wednesday May 22 at third ranked Banks.
Ashley Feltz chipped in two hits and two RBI's as well as a sacrifice.
Newport never was in the game, falling behind 7-0 before tallying a single run on a double by Kalea Blodgett. They struggled because the hard throwing Hanson never let them off the mat. Hanson twirled a glistening one hitter, giving up only the double to Blodgett and that single run. She did throw 4 walks, one of which scored and only threw four strikeouts. However, she never seemed threatened and was playing with house money with a 7 run lead.
While Banks is the third ranked team in the state they have endured six losses this season and are by no means an unbeatable team, especially if Hanson is in a groove and the top of the batting order gets some support from rest of the line up. The boys baseball team will open the playoffs the same day at Banks. First pitch for the girls is 4PM Wednesday.
Monday, May 20, 2019
Nagle Elmira's Top Finisher at the 4A State Track and Field Championships
Brady Nagle rebounded from a sluggish start to rally for a third place finish in the 200m dash at the Oregon 4A state track and field championship, Saturday May 18 at Mount Hood Community College in Gresham.
Nagle finished second in his preliminary heat on Friday, with a time of 23.37, getting him into the top 8 qualifiers for the finals the following day. Nagle then found another gear searing down the track at a personal record 23.03 to finish a narrow third, only a hundredth of a second behind behind Gladstone's Abran Leal whose 23.02 was also a personal record. Both finished behind the state champion Ben Carringer of Mazama who posted an electrifying 22.68, the only sub 23 second dash of the meet.
Nagle also placed 8th in the 100 meter dash after winning his preliminary heat on Friday. Elmira's 4x100m boys relay team with Nagle, Colton Zsiga, Gavin Laing, and Brady Scroggins finished with a 10th place finish. Cobyn Herbert finished the discus competition with an 8th place finish.
Nagle finished second in his preliminary heat on Friday, with a time of 23.37, getting him into the top 8 qualifiers for the finals the following day. Nagle then found another gear searing down the track at a personal record 23.03 to finish a narrow third, only a hundredth of a second behind behind Gladstone's Abran Leal whose 23.02 was also a personal record. Both finished behind the state champion Ben Carringer of Mazama who posted an electrifying 22.68, the only sub 23 second dash of the meet.
Nagle also placed 8th in the 100 meter dash after winning his preliminary heat on Friday. Elmira's 4x100m boys relay team with Nagle, Colton Zsiga, Gavin Laing, and Brady Scroggins finished with a 10th place finish. Cobyn Herbert finished the discus competition with an 8th place finish.
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Nagle, Herbert, Boys 4 x 100 off to 4A State Championships in Track & Field
Senior Brady Nagle dominated the 4A Sky-Em District Championships by winning the 100m and 200m dashes as well as leading the boys 4x100m relay to a second place finish and sending them to the 4A State Track and Field Championships in Gresham May 17-18. Nagle out dueled Marshfield's Micah Tardie in both sprints with times of 11:58 in the 100 and 23:31 in the 200.
Cobyn Herbert came from behind to place second in the boys Discus with a toss of 131-03. For schedules of events next weekend you can access Athletic.net or the OSAA website.
Cobyn Herbert came from behind to place second in the boys Discus with a toss of 131-03. For schedules of events next weekend you can access Athletic.net or the OSAA website.
Monday, May 13, 2019
Falcons Win Finale to Secure Playoff Spot
0-10. That was the Elmira baseball teams' record in league play last year. They were the worst team in the Sky-Em conference. Then the 2019 season started with several players being injured in a team bus accident earlier this year. A shaky start gave no indication that league play would be any different especially playing 4A powerhouses Junction City and Marist three times each.
But a funny thing happened on the way to what expectations might have been. The Falcons beat Junction City in the league opener and earlier this week, Elmira managed to go 3-3 vs the top two teams in the conference by sweeping Marist Catholic with an unlikely pair of walk off wins that were both secured by bases loaded walks to end the games, 8-7 and 7-6. Blake Whigam and Landon Parker got the winning RBIs respectively.
The two victories gave the Falcons a tiebreaker with Marist. All that remained was securing one victory in the road double header with Marshfield in Coos Bay. Perhaps too tight and tense, the Pirates
drilled Elmira in the opener 10-0 as Marshfield's Ryan Knight spun a gem; no runs, scattering 5 hits and striking out 8 going the distance in the shortened six inning game.
However, the perscription for Falcons baseball has been rallying late. Again in a Danskin tight game, tied at 2 apiece, Elmira rallied for 4 runs in the sixth inning taking advantage of a hit batter, a dropped strike three, an error and two walks by the suddenly generous Pirates. The Falcons gave up only one run beyond that and the Falcons who were the cellar dwellers last year found themselves not only in the playoffs but will be sporting a first round bye by being the second place team in the 4A Sky-Em Conference, with a 6-3 victory Monday May 14 at Marshfield High School.
Perhaps the most encouraging thought moving forward is not that the accomplishment has been so remarkable, but that the trip might go into next year as well as this is a young team that is making its mark in the state rankings.
But a funny thing happened on the way to what expectations might have been. The Falcons beat Junction City in the league opener and earlier this week, Elmira managed to go 3-3 vs the top two teams in the conference by sweeping Marist Catholic with an unlikely pair of walk off wins that were both secured by bases loaded walks to end the games, 8-7 and 7-6. Blake Whigam and Landon Parker got the winning RBIs respectively.
The two victories gave the Falcons a tiebreaker with Marist. All that remained was securing one victory in the road double header with Marshfield in Coos Bay. Perhaps too tight and tense, the Pirates
drilled Elmira in the opener 10-0 as Marshfield's Ryan Knight spun a gem; no runs, scattering 5 hits and striking out 8 going the distance in the shortened six inning game.
However, the perscription for Falcons baseball has been rallying late. Again in a Danskin tight game, tied at 2 apiece, Elmira rallied for 4 runs in the sixth inning taking advantage of a hit batter, a dropped strike three, an error and two walks by the suddenly generous Pirates. The Falcons gave up only one run beyond that and the Falcons who were the cellar dwellers last year found themselves not only in the playoffs but will be sporting a first round bye by being the second place team in the 4A Sky-Em Conference, with a 6-3 victory Monday May 14 at Marshfield High School.
Perhaps the most encouraging thought moving forward is not that the accomplishment has been so remarkable, but that the trip might go into next year as well as this is a young team that is making its mark in the state rankings.
Friday, May 10, 2019
Streaking Falcons Make Postseason Push in Softball
After suffering a dismal pounding from third ranked Junction City two weeks ago as well as the loss of JV pitcher Imari Gabica to injury, the Lady Falcons softball team found themselves at 11-7 and outside the possibility of the play in games. Ah... what a soothing balm a 5 game winning streak can be.
Coming off the deck from the bludgeoning that the Lady Tigers took to them, Courtney Haffner took the rubber against Cottage Grove on the road and was spectacular going all the way in a shortened 5 inning game. Haffner wound up giving up a stingy 2 hits and collecting 8 strikeouts with her baffling off speed pitches. 76% of Haffner's pitches went for strikes. Meanwhile, Maranda Hanson and Ashley Feltz both homered as part of a brutal 16 hit attack that also feasted on 8 Lady Leo walks as Elmira punished Cottage Grove 19-0.
Elmira then pulled off a stunning road upset of Thurston 11-10. Hanson got the win and needed to pitch her best because her teammates committed 5 errors, 3 in the second inning that helped stake Thurston to an early 5-1 lead.
But the Lady Falcons' murderer's row answered in the top of the third. Hanson doubled, followed by Feltz, who also doubled, scoring Hanson in front of her. Then Cheyenne White crushed a 2 run homer over the left field fence scoring Feltz and drawing Elmira within one.
In a back and forth contest by two heavyweight teams, Elmira wrestled the lead away for good in the sixth inning when Madison Wisner walked to open the inning enabling the top of the order to come to the plate. After a Carly Grossmiller ground out, Hanson doubled again, scoring Wisner. Back to back doubles by White and Josie Dickson gave the Falcons a lead they would never loose.
Hanson then took control winning the next three consecutive games including a sweep of a road double header against Marshfield 16-9 and 7-3. Dickson jolted a 3 run homer in the first inning to set the table for Hanson's win.
Finally, Hanson was again solid in a final road win against Siuslaw. She gave up only 1 earned run, going the full 7 innings and tallying 12 Ks in the 12-1 victory. The win saw Carly Grossmiller step up as the offensive hero, moving into the lead off position and going 4 for 5 with 2 RBIs and 4 runs scored.
So now it comes down to Friday, May 10, as 8th ranked Marist comes in with a 20-3 mark in virtual tie with Junction City for the league championship. Both teams are assured of a playoff spot. A sweep of the Lady Pirates would almost guarantee that Elmira would probably rise in the rankings and secure a home field play in game next week. A split will probably keep them in the remaining top 8 in 4A. Two losses could spell an early summer for the softball this year.
Coming off the deck from the bludgeoning that the Lady Tigers took to them, Courtney Haffner took the rubber against Cottage Grove on the road and was spectacular going all the way in a shortened 5 inning game. Haffner wound up giving up a stingy 2 hits and collecting 8 strikeouts with her baffling off speed pitches. 76% of Haffner's pitches went for strikes. Meanwhile, Maranda Hanson and Ashley Feltz both homered as part of a brutal 16 hit attack that also feasted on 8 Lady Leo walks as Elmira punished Cottage Grove 19-0.
Elmira then pulled off a stunning road upset of Thurston 11-10. Hanson got the win and needed to pitch her best because her teammates committed 5 errors, 3 in the second inning that helped stake Thurston to an early 5-1 lead.
But the Lady Falcons' murderer's row answered in the top of the third. Hanson doubled, followed by Feltz, who also doubled, scoring Hanson in front of her. Then Cheyenne White crushed a 2 run homer over the left field fence scoring Feltz and drawing Elmira within one.
In a back and forth contest by two heavyweight teams, Elmira wrestled the lead away for good in the sixth inning when Madison Wisner walked to open the inning enabling the top of the order to come to the plate. After a Carly Grossmiller ground out, Hanson doubled again, scoring Wisner. Back to back doubles by White and Josie Dickson gave the Falcons a lead they would never loose.
Hanson then took control winning the next three consecutive games including a sweep of a road double header against Marshfield 16-9 and 7-3. Dickson jolted a 3 run homer in the first inning to set the table for Hanson's win.
Finally, Hanson was again solid in a final road win against Siuslaw. She gave up only 1 earned run, going the full 7 innings and tallying 12 Ks in the 12-1 victory. The win saw Carly Grossmiller step up as the offensive hero, moving into the lead off position and going 4 for 5 with 2 RBIs and 4 runs scored.
So now it comes down to Friday, May 10, as 8th ranked Marist comes in with a 20-3 mark in virtual tie with Junction City for the league championship. Both teams are assured of a playoff spot. A sweep of the Lady Pirates would almost guarantee that Elmira would probably rise in the rankings and secure a home field play in game next week. A split will probably keep them in the remaining top 8 in 4A. Two losses could spell an early summer for the softball this year.
Wednesday, May 1, 2019
Cottage Grove: the Cure for a Three Game Losing Streak
While Maranda Hanson has been the primary pitcher this season, there have been notable pitching by other Lady Falcon hurlers. Stepping into the spot light was Courtney Haffner, who spun a nearly flawless 5 inning gem as Elmira crushed Cottage Grove 19-0 at Elmira High School, Tuesday April 30.
If not for an error in the top of the 5th, she would have faced only one batter over the minimum. Her line was no runs on 1 hit with 7 strikeouts. Lady Leo hitters were completely baffled by her continual off speed pitches which called to mind crafty former Seattle Mariner Jamie Moyer.
The Lady Falcons offense made it easy for Haffner to pitch in a relaxed state as they pounded Cottage Grove pitching for 13 hits. Highlighting the offense eruption was Hanson, who lofted a grand slam homer and Ashley Feltz who crushed a 3 run homer; a line drive laser beam over the center field fence.
The victory raised the girls' record to 12-7 (6-4 in the 4A Sky-Em League). They travel to Thurston for a make up road game on Wednesday before playing two on the road at Marshfield on Friday.
If not for an error in the top of the 5th, she would have faced only one batter over the minimum. Her line was no runs on 1 hit with 7 strikeouts. Lady Leo hitters were completely baffled by her continual off speed pitches which called to mind crafty former Seattle Mariner Jamie Moyer.
The Lady Falcons offense made it easy for Haffner to pitch in a relaxed state as they pounded Cottage Grove pitching for 13 hits. Highlighting the offense eruption was Hanson, who lofted a grand slam homer and Ashley Feltz who crushed a 3 run homer; a line drive laser beam over the center field fence.
The victory raised the girls' record to 12-7 (6-4 in the 4A Sky-Em League). They travel to Thurston for a make up road game on Wednesday before playing two on the road at Marshfield on Friday.
A Week of Woe for Elmira Diamond Teams
The Falcon Baseball and Softball teams are licking their wounds as they make the turn into the second half of the league season. Promising records (22 wins between the two teams, including the boys' early season victory over Junction City) had this reporter as well as fans thinking that this would be the year where the Falcons would challenge for post season opportunities. But a strange and common thing happened to both teams... Marist and Junction City.
The girls were beginning to show chinks in the armor in their last victory as lowly Siuslaw rallied from a 10 run deficit before falling 11-10. Unfortunately, the Lady Falcons would see crooked numbers posted against them in their one game against Marist and a double header at Junction City, wilting 11-0 to the Spartans and falling 14-1 and 13-2 to arch rival JC.
The boys' coming to earth was no less frustrating. First was a 10-2 loss at Marist where pitching phenom Tyler Feltz seemed rattled by a squeezed strike zone. Marist got up early and cruised to an easy victory. That was nothing compared to the debacle at Junction City. Many of the fans said it was the worst defensive inning any had seen.
After staking the Falcons to a 1-0 lead on a Bryson Estrella RBI sacrifice ground out, the Tigers then preceded to take the better part of the next hour elongating the bottom half of the first inning into something grotesque. Forensics on the results were a smorgasbord of errors, passed balls, walks and timely hits that wound up totaling 14 runs as part of a gruesome 20-1 shortened blow out.
The nightcap was perhaps more gut wrenching as Elmira rallied to take the lead in the top of the six 5-4 as Tyler Feltz scored on a passed ball. However, again the bottom of the inning payed no dividends as the Tigers hung a six spot and a sweep of the double header.
The girls were beginning to show chinks in the armor in their last victory as lowly Siuslaw rallied from a 10 run deficit before falling 11-10. Unfortunately, the Lady Falcons would see crooked numbers posted against them in their one game against Marist and a double header at Junction City, wilting 11-0 to the Spartans and falling 14-1 and 13-2 to arch rival JC.
The boys' coming to earth was no less frustrating. First was a 10-2 loss at Marist where pitching phenom Tyler Feltz seemed rattled by a squeezed strike zone. Marist got up early and cruised to an easy victory. That was nothing compared to the debacle at Junction City. Many of the fans said it was the worst defensive inning any had seen.
After staking the Falcons to a 1-0 lead on a Bryson Estrella RBI sacrifice ground out, the Tigers then preceded to take the better part of the next hour elongating the bottom half of the first inning into something grotesque. Forensics on the results were a smorgasbord of errors, passed balls, walks and timely hits that wound up totaling 14 runs as part of a gruesome 20-1 shortened blow out.
The nightcap was perhaps more gut wrenching as Elmira rallied to take the lead in the top of the six 5-4 as Tyler Feltz scored on a passed ball. However, again the bottom of the inning payed no dividends as the Tigers hung a six spot and a sweep of the double header.
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
Sweep of Siuslaw Carries Elmira from Worst to First
Elmira head baseball coach Wolgamott told me that he hoped his team could finish .500 after a disastrous 0-10 league mark last year. A bus accident at the beginning of the year which injured two vital players for the season did nothing to instill hope for that possibility. However, something strange happened on the way to predictions and prognostications. After sweeping Siuslaw 5-2 and 10-0, the unlikely cellar dwellers of the previous season see themselves in first place in the 4A Sky-Em league, and ranked 8th overall in 4A with a sparkling 11-2 record and an unblemished 5-0 mark in the league approaching the half way point.
Bryson Estrella and Hunter Stockinger combined to hold down the Vikings to two runs on three hits in the opener. Elmira offense was aided by 5 Siuslaw error which allowed the Falcons to muscle out to a 4-0 lead before the Vikings could even muster an offense against Estrella and Stockinger who combined for 11 strikeouts in the game.
It was not a one man show in the nightcap but the Falcons only needed one pitcher.
Ayden Wolgamott took the hill for Elmira and twirled a masterful, 2 hit, shortened shut out of the Vikings. Wolgamott's stat line boasted a gaudy 13 strikeouts in 5 innings pitched against a single walk.
Only leading 2-0 in the bottom of the fifth, the Falcons decided they wanted to give Wolgamott the rest of the night off for his performance. Elmira brokered 5 hits, 4 walks, an error and a hit batter to ring up an 8 spot in the bottom of the fifth to end a shortened game. Wolgamott helped his own cause scoring three times on the day. Elmira hitting was led by Cobyn Herbert who got two hits and an RBI sacrifice fly.
Now begins the time to measure Elmira sudden thrust into 4A relevance. Because of weather schedule changes in the first half of the league schedule, the Falcons must play the next 8 games on the road including 3 double headers including the crucial meeting with Junction City which could conceivably be for the Sky-Em Championship. They finish with a home double header with Marist. A victory this Tuesday April 23 at Marist will go a long way towards any playoff aspirations the Falcons are nurturing right now.
Bryson Estrella and Hunter Stockinger combined to hold down the Vikings to two runs on three hits in the opener. Elmira offense was aided by 5 Siuslaw error which allowed the Falcons to muscle out to a 4-0 lead before the Vikings could even muster an offense against Estrella and Stockinger who combined for 11 strikeouts in the game.
It was not a one man show in the nightcap but the Falcons only needed one pitcher.
Ayden Wolgamott took the hill for Elmira and twirled a masterful, 2 hit, shortened shut out of the Vikings. Wolgamott's stat line boasted a gaudy 13 strikeouts in 5 innings pitched against a single walk.
Only leading 2-0 in the bottom of the fifth, the Falcons decided they wanted to give Wolgamott the rest of the night off for his performance. Elmira brokered 5 hits, 4 walks, an error and a hit batter to ring up an 8 spot in the bottom of the fifth to end a shortened game. Wolgamott helped his own cause scoring three times on the day. Elmira hitting was led by Cobyn Herbert who got two hits and an RBI sacrifice fly.
Now begins the time to measure Elmira sudden thrust into 4A relevance. Because of weather schedule changes in the first half of the league schedule, the Falcons must play the next 8 games on the road including 3 double headers including the crucial meeting with Junction City which could conceivably be for the Sky-Em Championship. They finish with a home double header with Marist. A victory this Tuesday April 23 at Marist will go a long way towards any playoff aspirations the Falcons are nurturing right now.
Gabica Rolls to First Win of Doubleheader; Falcons Almost Stumble in Nightcap
Imari Gabica was splendid as an off the bench starter scattering 2 hits and striking out 7 as Elmira's softball team cruised to an easy 13-1 victory over lowly Siuslaw, Thursday April 11 at Elmira High School. Gabica received more than enough help as Carly Grossmiller, from her 9 spot in the order, rang up 4 hits and 4 RBI's as the Lady Falcons raised their record to 10-4 on the season
The second game however was a completely different story as star pitcher Maranda Hanson found herself in jam after jam to the Lady Vikings as Siuslaw was spotted a 5-run lead after 3 and half innings. However, Siuslaw pitching found the going no smoother than Hanson did. Vikings' pitcher Nina Aaron was blistered by Falcon hitters as they rocked the junior hurler for 17 hits including Ashley Feltz's fifth home run of the season. Feltz was 3 for 5 in the game with 3 RBIs. It spelled a raucous and unlikely 11-10 squeaker over Siuslaw to sweep the double header.
Despite rallying for 6 runs in the fourth and fifth innings, Siuslaw took the lead in the top of the sixth inning when Hanson walked the lead off batter, the pitcher's nemesis. Pinch runner Angela Bartlett advanced to third on a fielder's choice and an error by Feltz. Lita Figueroa cashed in the walk and error by slapping a single into center field to tie the game at 10.
The Lady Falcons rallied again in the bottom of the inning. Sarah Stout crushed a double into the center field alley, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored when Deja Rhodes singled into center. Hanson then retired the side in order to set all things right again.
Still it was the Elmira bats that carried the day. The 24 runs scored in the double header made the Lady Falcons the sixth highest scoring team in 4A so far this season. The road ahead does not get easier. Up next for 11-4 Elmira is a road test against sixth ranked Marist Catholic. A victory would thrust Elmira into the playoff conversation in a visceral way with a 4 more games with Marist and league leader Junction city; two double headers that will be played here at Elmira High School. That is if the Lady Falcons can avoid stubbing their toes against the lower tiered teams in the second half of league play.
The second game however was a completely different story as star pitcher Maranda Hanson found herself in jam after jam to the Lady Vikings as Siuslaw was spotted a 5-run lead after 3 and half innings. However, Siuslaw pitching found the going no smoother than Hanson did. Vikings' pitcher Nina Aaron was blistered by Falcon hitters as they rocked the junior hurler for 17 hits including Ashley Feltz's fifth home run of the season. Feltz was 3 for 5 in the game with 3 RBIs. It spelled a raucous and unlikely 11-10 squeaker over Siuslaw to sweep the double header.
Despite rallying for 6 runs in the fourth and fifth innings, Siuslaw took the lead in the top of the sixth inning when Hanson walked the lead off batter, the pitcher's nemesis. Pinch runner Angela Bartlett advanced to third on a fielder's choice and an error by Feltz. Lita Figueroa cashed in the walk and error by slapping a single into center field to tie the game at 10.
The Lady Falcons rallied again in the bottom of the inning. Sarah Stout crushed a double into the center field alley, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored when Deja Rhodes singled into center. Hanson then retired the side in order to set all things right again.
Still it was the Elmira bats that carried the day. The 24 runs scored in the double header made the Lady Falcons the sixth highest scoring team in 4A so far this season. The road ahead does not get easier. Up next for 11-4 Elmira is a road test against sixth ranked Marist Catholic. A victory would thrust Elmira into the playoff conversation in a visceral way with a 4 more games with Marist and league leader Junction city; two double headers that will be played here at Elmira High School. That is if the Lady Falcons can avoid stubbing their toes against the lower tiered teams in the second half of league play.
Thursday, April 18, 2019
Walk Off Win Over Marshfield is Something to Admire
Jacob Admire hit a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning scoring Cobyn Herbert with the winning run and the Falcons baseball team came up with a dramatic walk off 3-2 victory over Marshfield Tuesday April 16 at Elmira High School.
Admire's dramatics were set up after Herbert crushed a screaming double into right center field and then took third on a sacrifice bunt by Tyler Feltz.
It was a challenging game for Falcon pitchers who always seemed to be pitching out of some sort of jam. The Pirates had base runners in every inning except the second and fifth.
At the plate, the game seemed just as precarious. Gavin Parker staked the Falcons to an early lead, taking advantage of a Pirate error to single in Ayden Wolgamott for a 1-0 lead. Elmira pushed the lead to 2-0 when Wolgamott doubled in Admire, who had singled in front of him.
Tyler Feltz walk on the tight-rope finally gave way in the sixth inning when the Pirates strung together a walk and 2 singles to score to in the stanza. Both teams... seemingly exhausted... were able to muster any offense against the other until Admire's heroics in the bottom of the ninth.
The win was Elmira's sixth straight, raising their record to 9-2 (3-0) in the 4A Sky-Em going into a double header with Siuslaw on Thursday.
Admire's dramatics were set up after Herbert crushed a screaming double into right center field and then took third on a sacrifice bunt by Tyler Feltz.
It was a challenging game for Falcon pitchers who always seemed to be pitching out of some sort of jam. The Pirates had base runners in every inning except the second and fifth.
At the plate, the game seemed just as precarious. Gavin Parker staked the Falcons to an early lead, taking advantage of a Pirate error to single in Ayden Wolgamott for a 1-0 lead. Elmira pushed the lead to 2-0 when Wolgamott doubled in Admire, who had singled in front of him.
Tyler Feltz walk on the tight-rope finally gave way in the sixth inning when the Pirates strung together a walk and 2 singles to score to in the stanza. Both teams... seemingly exhausted... were able to muster any offense against the other until Admire's heroics in the bottom of the ninth.
The win was Elmira's sixth straight, raising their record to 9-2 (3-0) in the 4A Sky-Em going into a double header with Siuslaw on Thursday.
Boys Lead the Way at the Elmira Relays
The Falcons boys Dominated 4 relay events and placed first or second 8 times in field events as they won the overall team competition at the Elmira Relays Saturday, April 13 at Elmira High School.
Meanwhile the Falcons girls team finished a distant second behind meet winner Philomath Despite placing first in four events. Kennady Lainge led the girls, winning the triple jump with a mark of
32-06.5 as well as being a part of the first place 4x120 shuttle hurdles team, with Claire Head, Page Reichenberger and Lexie Geiger. The Falcons won the relay with at time of 1:17.42. Geiger also placed first in the High Jump with a leap of 4-10. Sydney Green won the long jump competition with a leap of 13-10.5.
The Falcon boys were peerless hosts in the relays. With Brady Nagel anchoring the 4x100 and the 4x200 runs and Riley Chambers Anchoring the Varsity DMR and 4x100 Shuttle Hurdle Relays, Elmira swept 4 relays events. Desmond Wilson, Colton Zsiga, Brady Scroggins, Everett Greenwood, Derek Anderson, Brandon Foote, Tyler Henderson, Alex Head, and Josiah Lorenze filled out the winning relay teams.
Lorenze had a spectacular and productive afternoon for the Falcons, not only a part of the winning 4x100 shuttle hurdle relay, but also placed 2nd in the pole vault with a jump of 11-6; second in the high jump and 3rd in the 110m hurdles.
Other winners were Cobyn Herbert in the discus; Maisen Heide in the high jump; Ethan Yost in the long jump and Carlson Fix in the triple jump.
Meanwhile the Falcons girls team finished a distant second behind meet winner Philomath Despite placing first in four events. Kennady Lainge led the girls, winning the triple jump with a mark of
32-06.5 as well as being a part of the first place 4x120 shuttle hurdles team, with Claire Head, Page Reichenberger and Lexie Geiger. The Falcons won the relay with at time of 1:17.42. Geiger also placed first in the High Jump with a leap of 4-10. Sydney Green won the long jump competition with a leap of 13-10.5.
The Falcon boys were peerless hosts in the relays. With Brady Nagel anchoring the 4x100 and the 4x200 runs and Riley Chambers Anchoring the Varsity DMR and 4x100 Shuttle Hurdle Relays, Elmira swept 4 relays events. Desmond Wilson, Colton Zsiga, Brady Scroggins, Everett Greenwood, Derek Anderson, Brandon Foote, Tyler Henderson, Alex Head, and Josiah Lorenze filled out the winning relay teams.
Lorenze had a spectacular and productive afternoon for the Falcons, not only a part of the winning 4x100 shuttle hurdle relay, but also placed 2nd in the pole vault with a jump of 11-6; second in the high jump and 3rd in the 110m hurdles.
Other winners were Cobyn Herbert in the discus; Maisen Heide in the high jump; Ethan Yost in the long jump and Carlson Fix in the triple jump.
Lady Falcons Maul Marshfield then Get Thumped by 6th Ranked Sweet Home
Elmira's softball team extended their win streak to three games with a third consecutive 5 inning decision, this one a workmanlike 12-2 victory over visiting Marshfield. Unlike the previous two games, this wasn't decided until a rally in the fifth garnered the 10 run advantage to end the game. Ashley Feltz continued to have the hot bat, hitting a laser beam line drive home run in the first inning and having a sparkling 4 for 4 afternoon with 4 RBIs. Maranda Hanson picked up the victory going the shortened distance giving up 2 runs on 3 hits including a home run to Marshfield's Sterling Williams. The win was Elmira's third straight. In that span the Lady Falcons outscored their opponents 64-4.
However, the quality of opponent stepped up as the Lady Falcons played a make up road game at 6th ranked Sweet Home, Wednesday April 17 at Sweet Home High School. The game, sloppy at times, took on the air of a prize fight, with each team taking turns laying hay makers to each other. There were 7 errors in the game. An additional nuance to the game was a seemingly moving strike zone by the home plate umpire that took pitchers out of their game. Hanson and Sweet Home's Ashtyn Walker, normally strong, strike out pitchers, both found their control inexplicably absent during the game. Both teams pitching combined for nine walks.
Leading 2-1 after one and a half, the Lady Huskies batted around in the bottom of the inning, scoring 5 runs, aided by 2 walks, 2 errors and three singles. Hanson got through the third undamaged which led to the Elmira retaliation in the fourth inning where the Lady Falcons tallied a six spot to tie the game at 7. The big hit was a deep fly ball to center by Hanson who reached on an error by the Sweet Home center fielder scoring two runs. Again, the huge rally was helped by 2 walks and 2 errors.
The Falcons couldn't hold the game however. In the fifth inning, a Hanson mistake cost her. A hit batter came around to score, along with a second run after three singles in the inning to make the score 9-7. Elmira tried to rally in the sixth getting Carly Grossmiller and Ashley Feltz aboard but were shut down when Sarah Stroud went down swinging for the third out. Three more singles in the bottom of the inning for the Lady Huskies added two runs to make it 11-7 and Elmira went quietly in the 7th inning to end the game.
Siuslaw comes to town Thursday April 18 for a double header at Elmira High School.
Monday, April 15, 2019
Falcon's Baseball now 2-0 in League; #10 in 4A
Gone are the dismal memories of a 3-12 season last year. Gone are the recollections of a hopeless 0-10 league record in the 4A Sky-Em Conference in 2018. Even as the Falcons were battling from behind twice during their contest with Cottage Grove, there was never that sense that the game was lost. Rallying twice from deficits as both Bryson Estrella and Koble Peterson found themselves in pitching jams throughout, the Falcons bats erupted in the bottom of the fifth inning. Elmira parlayed 6 hits, a walk and a Cottage Grove error into 7 runs, coming away with a 12-7 Sky-Em league victory over the Lions, Friday April 12 at Elmira High School.
What the game lacked in superlatives, it balanced with grit and determination. Ayden Wolgamott walked 4 times and got a bases clearing double as an example. No home runs, just basic opportunistic baseball, sound hitting as 4 of the 6 hits in the bottom of the fifth were doubles. And while Falcons pitching showed chinks in the armor, Cottage Grove was never able to get out of reach.
Elmira played add on in the bottom of the sixth when Peterson scored on a wild pitch to seal the victory for the Falcons.
The victory moved Elmira to 8-2 (2-0 in league) and a sparkling #10 ranking in 4A. Marshfield and Siuslaw come to Elmira High School this week, Tuesday and Friday respectively. The weather adjustments mean that the Falcons second half of the season will be played almost entirely on the road in the second half of league play.
"I think the kids are starting to realize they can beat anybody in the league if we play the game the right way and limit our mistakes, said Elmira head baseball coach Ryan Wolgamott in an email. "I came into the season hoping we could be a .500 team in league. I believe we can surpass that, even with injuries to Bryce Sawyer and Manny Massengil and Mikey Weaver leaving the team for the remainder of the year for a planned family trip. We’re much younger now than when we started the season, but we’re getting some valuable experience in difficult situations."
What the game lacked in superlatives, it balanced with grit and determination. Ayden Wolgamott walked 4 times and got a bases clearing double as an example. No home runs, just basic opportunistic baseball, sound hitting as 4 of the 6 hits in the bottom of the fifth were doubles. And while Falcons pitching showed chinks in the armor, Cottage Grove was never able to get out of reach.
Elmira played add on in the bottom of the sixth when Peterson scored on a wild pitch to seal the victory for the Falcons.
The victory moved Elmira to 8-2 (2-0 in league) and a sparkling #10 ranking in 4A. Marshfield and Siuslaw come to Elmira High School this week, Tuesday and Friday respectively. The weather adjustments mean that the Falcons second half of the season will be played almost entirely on the road in the second half of league play.
"I think the kids are starting to realize they can beat anybody in the league if we play the game the right way and limit our mistakes, said Elmira head baseball coach Ryan Wolgamott in an email. "I came into the season hoping we could be a .500 team in league. I believe we can surpass that, even with injuries to Bryce Sawyer and Manny Massengil and Mikey Weaver leaving the team for the remainder of the year for a planned family trip. We’re much younger now than when we started the season, but we’re getting some valuable experience in difficult situations."
Falcons Softball Rights the Ship: Cruises against Cottage Grove
They will not be remembered as crucial games the farther they slip into memory, but Elmira's double header victories over Cottage Grove did help put the taste of a two game losing streak to bed. Unleashing 44 hits in two games the Lady Falcon's punished lowly Cottage Grove 26-0 and 26-1 Friday, April 12 at Harrison Middle School in Cottage Grove.
The first game was in hand before the bottom of the first as Elmira scored 12 in the top of the first and 10 in the top of the second. Pitcher Maranda Hanson would not need even 2 of those runs as she mowed through the Lady Lions with a sparkling 10 K, shut out win.
Courtney Haffner was nearly as flawless, pitching the nightcap, as she held Cottage Grove to 1 run on 2 hits. The Lady Falcons scored in every inning of the rout, with Haffner picking up 4 hits and 4 RBIs in support of her pitching. The star of the day at the plate for both games however was Cheyenne White who was a perfect 8 for 8 at the plate with 8 RBIs and homering in both games.
I was pleased with our performance against Cottage Grove," said Elmira Head Softball coach Jamie Boytz in an email. "We have had a tendency to play down to the level of our competition, and Friday we played to our potential. It was good to see the girls getting more confident in the batters box."
The victories raised Elmira's record to 8-3 (2-1 in the 4A Sky-Em Conference). With three home games against winnable opponents, the Lady Falcons can firmly ensconce themselves as a contender in the league moving into contests against highly ranked Marist and Junction City. First up though is 4-7 Marshfield Tuesday afternoon here at Elmira High School.
The first game was in hand before the bottom of the first as Elmira scored 12 in the top of the first and 10 in the top of the second. Pitcher Maranda Hanson would not need even 2 of those runs as she mowed through the Lady Lions with a sparkling 10 K, shut out win.
Courtney Haffner was nearly as flawless, pitching the nightcap, as she held Cottage Grove to 1 run on 2 hits. The Lady Falcons scored in every inning of the rout, with Haffner picking up 4 hits and 4 RBIs in support of her pitching. The star of the day at the plate for both games however was Cheyenne White who was a perfect 8 for 8 at the plate with 8 RBIs and homering in both games.
I was pleased with our performance against Cottage Grove," said Elmira Head Softball coach Jamie Boytz in an email. "We have had a tendency to play down to the level of our competition, and Friday we played to our potential. It was good to see the girls getting more confident in the batters box."
The victories raised Elmira's record to 8-3 (2-1 in the 4A Sky-Em Conference). With three home games against winnable opponents, the Lady Falcons can firmly ensconce themselves as a contender in the league moving into contests against highly ranked Marist and Junction City. First up though is 4-7 Marshfield Tuesday afternoon here at Elmira High School.
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Falcons Stun Third Ranked Junction City to get First League Victory in 2 years
At first it must have seemed like an old record going into league play where the Elmira baseball team hadn't won a game since 2017. Not only were they playing league favorite Junction City, but they started off with a costly error that gave the Tigers a 1-0 through three and half innings.
However, Cobyn Herbert hit a 3-run homer, a line drive laser over the left field fence, and Tyler Feltz battled through his own struggles of wildness to give Elmira an unlikely 5-3 win over the then 3rd ranked Tigers Wednesday, April 10 at Elmira High School.
"I'm really proud of our kids," said head baseball coach Ryan Wolgamott in an email. "It shows how far they've come when you consider how bad we were beaten by Junction City in three games last year."
Feltz compounded the struggle for himself by issuing 4 walks and 4 hit batters, which included thumping Junction City's Hunter Van Curler three times. Feltz also wobbled in the 5th inning when he surrendered a majestic fly ball homer to Tiger's lead off man, Blake Hayes.
"(He had) a few control issues with the walks and hit batters but overall I was happy for him and what his emergence means for our team." coach Wolgamott continued.
Despite the fact that Feltz seemed always a step away from the abyss, the team's fielding, a double play, a stolen base attempt gunned down by CJ Smith, and four timely strike outs all kept Junction City at an arm's length. When Gavin Parker scored Landen Parker with a sac fly in the bottom of the fifth, the possibility of the upset was fully realized.
Still, the Falcons tantalized the Tigers with the opportunity of a rally. Ayden Wolgamott came on in the 7th in relief of Feltz and promptly put gasoline on a fire. After walking the lead off hitter in the inning, Wolgamott managed to get two outs but then hit Van Curler for the third time, to bring the winning run to the plate. Coach Wolgamott replaced his son with Gavin Parker who came in and shut down the rally in 5 pitches.
While it is only one victory in a long league schedule, it could signify a shift in power in the 4A Sky Em.
"I think this win will open some eyes in our league and put a bit of a target on our back,"noted coach Wolgamott. "We won’t be taken lightly moving forward."
The victory raised the Falcons to a #10 ranking despite the fact that there are 4 teams ahead of them with worse records, including Junction City. Next up will be a home game against Cottage Grove on Friday, April 12 at Elmira High School.
However, Cobyn Herbert hit a 3-run homer, a line drive laser over the left field fence, and Tyler Feltz battled through his own struggles of wildness to give Elmira an unlikely 5-3 win over the then 3rd ranked Tigers Wednesday, April 10 at Elmira High School.
"I'm really proud of our kids," said head baseball coach Ryan Wolgamott in an email. "It shows how far they've come when you consider how bad we were beaten by Junction City in three games last year."
Feltz compounded the struggle for himself by issuing 4 walks and 4 hit batters, which included thumping Junction City's Hunter Van Curler three times. Feltz also wobbled in the 5th inning when he surrendered a majestic fly ball homer to Tiger's lead off man, Blake Hayes.
"(He had) a few control issues with the walks and hit batters but overall I was happy for him and what his emergence means for our team." coach Wolgamott continued.
Despite the fact that Feltz seemed always a step away from the abyss, the team's fielding, a double play, a stolen base attempt gunned down by CJ Smith, and four timely strike outs all kept Junction City at an arm's length. When Gavin Parker scored Landen Parker with a sac fly in the bottom of the fifth, the possibility of the upset was fully realized.
Still, the Falcons tantalized the Tigers with the opportunity of a rally. Ayden Wolgamott came on in the 7th in relief of Feltz and promptly put gasoline on a fire. After walking the lead off hitter in the inning, Wolgamott managed to get two outs but then hit Van Curler for the third time, to bring the winning run to the plate. Coach Wolgamott replaced his son with Gavin Parker who came in and shut down the rally in 5 pitches.
While it is only one victory in a long league schedule, it could signify a shift in power in the 4A Sky Em.
"I think this win will open some eyes in our league and put a bit of a target on our back,"noted coach Wolgamott. "We won’t be taken lightly moving forward."
The victory raised the Falcons to a #10 ranking despite the fact that there are 4 teams ahead of them with worse records, including Junction City. Next up will be a home game against Cottage Grove on Friday, April 12 at Elmira High School.
Kister Silences Lady Falcon Bats; 3rd Ranked Junction City Rolls
After having to endure not only a rain cancellation but a road game that was supposed to be a home game, Elmira's softball team seemed poised to take the next step in their progress towards becoming a 4A power. Trying to shake off the inexplicable loss to Yamhill-Carlton last week, the Lady Falcons burst out early against the Lady Tigers of Junction City. Cheyenne White blasted a two run home run in the top of the first inning off of JC starting pitcher Jenna Kister, scoring Ashley Feltz in front of her staking Elmira starting pitcher Maranda Hanson an early two run lead. Then an eerie quiet fell over the Lady Falcons' bats.
Kister scattered 6 hits over the remaining 6 innings of scoreless ball as she outdueled Hanson to give the 3rd ranked Lady Tigers a crucial 6-2 4A Sky-Em league victory over Elmira Wednesday, April 10 at Junction City High School. Kister also scored a run. Hanson pitched the distance as well and pitched well enough to win had the offense held up their end, giving up 5 runs on 7 hits. However Hanson surrendered two 2-run home runs to Junction City's Abby Bumcroft to give Kister all of the support she would need to secure the victory.
The loss dropped the Lady Falcons to 6-3 (0-1 in league) with Cottage Grove coming to town on Friday afternoon.
Kister scattered 6 hits over the remaining 6 innings of scoreless ball as she outdueled Hanson to give the 3rd ranked Lady Tigers a crucial 6-2 4A Sky-Em league victory over Elmira Wednesday, April 10 at Junction City High School. Kister also scored a run. Hanson pitched the distance as well and pitched well enough to win had the offense held up their end, giving up 5 runs on 7 hits. However Hanson surrendered two 2-run home runs to Junction City's Abby Bumcroft to give Kister all of the support she would need to secure the victory.
The loss dropped the Lady Falcons to 6-3 (0-1 in league) with Cottage Grove coming to town on Friday afternoon.
Thursday, April 4, 2019
Estrella Strangles Sutherlin
Being back home for the first time in two weeks saw the Elmira baseball team come out with a workmanlike 3-0 win over Sutherlin, Wednesday April 3 at Elmira High School. Sutherlin would have had better luck if they had called in the game, so dominant was starting pitcher Bryson Estrella. The sophomore pitched 6 innings of scoreless ball, scattering two hits and registering 10 strike outs against one walk. Tyler Feltz came on in the seventh to slam the door on the victory.
Blake Wigham continues to have the hot bat as he ripped a 2 run double and Gavin Parker chipped in an RBI triple, both in the fourth inning, giving the Falcons more than enough offense for the win. The victory left Elmira with a respectable 6-2 record going into the first league tilt against rival Junction City next Tuesday.
Blake Wigham continues to have the hot bat as he ripped a 2 run double and Gavin Parker chipped in an RBI triple, both in the fourth inning, giving the Falcons more than enough offense for the win. The victory left Elmira with a respectable 6-2 record going into the first league tilt against rival Junction City next Tuesday.
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Powerful 6A Reynolds Humbles Lady Falcons
Something happened on the way to a perfect season and holding on to the 4A #1 ranking in the state... a tournament date with 6A, 3rd ranked, Reynolds. With star pitcher Maranda Hanson not starting, an impeccable Lady Raider defense, and a bit of an offensive swoon, led to a 15-5 black eye loss. The victory left Reynolds with a sparkling 10-0 record for a team that is expected to vie for a championship in 6A this year. Inexplicable, considering the quality of Reynolds as an opponent why and how the metrics of state rankings let the Falcons fall from #1 to #4 in 4A.
Regardless, Elmira rose up from the loss and rolled through the remainder of the Sandy Tournament, beating host Sandy, Seaside and Silverton by a combined 26-6; 13-2, 7-2, and 6-2 respectively. This included a two home run outburst by JV hitter Riley Peeler.
Elmira travels to Yamhill-Carlton Wednesday April 3 before beginning league play against arch-rival Junction City next Tuesday.
All games are weather permitting.
Regardless, Elmira rose up from the loss and rolled through the remainder of the Sandy Tournament, beating host Sandy, Seaside and Silverton by a combined 26-6; 13-2, 7-2, and 6-2 respectively. This included a two home run outburst by JV hitter Riley Peeler.
Elmira travels to Yamhill-Carlton Wednesday April 3 before beginning league play against arch-rival Junction City next Tuesday.
All games are weather permitting.
Falcons Baseball Overcomes Sluggish Start and Spring Weather
As the early season was a frustrating mix of bus accidents, weather cancellations and struggling play, the Elmira baseball team spent Spring Break at the Madras baseball tournament.
Before that however, the Falcons face off with Creswell and reaped an 8-2 victory. Ayden Wolgamott was the star of the day pitching 4 and a third innings and only surrendering 2 runs. He also dominated at the plate getting 3 hits on the day.
A final road trip before the break saw Elmira facing off against 2A Walport, where the Falcons became the power station, unleashing home runs in the game as Elmira crushed Walport 14-2. Gavin Parker, Cobyn Herbert, and Blake Wigham all launched bombs, with Wigham collecting 5 RBIs on 3 hits. All of the offense supported a workmanlike victory for Hunter Stockinger, who gave up only 2 runs. The victory raised the Falcons' record to 3-1 on the season.
Then, a strong dose of reality was doled out by tiny 3A Taft High school, leveling a humbling 15-0 beat down on Elmira, holding them to two hits.
"They were really good," Herbert commented in a conversation later. Taft record is deceptive then because they are 3-5 at press time. So dominate was their victory however, that it was shortened after reaching the 5th inning with a 10 run or more lead.
With one of their games cancelled by weather yet again, the Falcons had only two more games to recover from the Taft blitzkrieg. Playing host Madras, Elmira rallied for 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th for a scintillating 8-7 win.
The following game is somewhat inexplicable on multiple fronts. McLoughlin stormed out to a commanding 11-6 lead after 4 and half innings. Then the wheels came off for the 4A Pioneers as McLoughlin pitching was in a magnanimous mood, offering 13 walks, combined with 9 doubles by the Falcons. The result was an electrifying 13 run bottom of the 7th and a ridiculous 24-11 rout of the Pioneers. It is a game that the Falcons know they got away with one.
"We played pretty sloppy," Herbert lamented.
Elmira will host the Sutherlin Bulldogs from the 3A-5 Far West League on Wednesday April 3... weather permitting.
Before that however, the Falcons face off with Creswell and reaped an 8-2 victory. Ayden Wolgamott was the star of the day pitching 4 and a third innings and only surrendering 2 runs. He also dominated at the plate getting 3 hits on the day.
 |
| Ayden Wolgamott slides into second on a steal attempt in a game vs Hidden Valley earlier this year. Photo by Michelle Ossowski |
A final road trip before the break saw Elmira facing off against 2A Walport, where the Falcons became the power station, unleashing home runs in the game as Elmira crushed Walport 14-2. Gavin Parker, Cobyn Herbert, and Blake Wigham all launched bombs, with Wigham collecting 5 RBIs on 3 hits. All of the offense supported a workmanlike victory for Hunter Stockinger, who gave up only 2 runs. The victory raised the Falcons' record to 3-1 on the season.
Then, a strong dose of reality was doled out by tiny 3A Taft High school, leveling a humbling 15-0 beat down on Elmira, holding them to two hits.
"They were really good," Herbert commented in a conversation later. Taft record is deceptive then because they are 3-5 at press time. So dominate was their victory however, that it was shortened after reaching the 5th inning with a 10 run or more lead.
With one of their games cancelled by weather yet again, the Falcons had only two more games to recover from the Taft blitzkrieg. Playing host Madras, Elmira rallied for 3 runs in the bottom of the 7th for a scintillating 8-7 win.
The following game is somewhat inexplicable on multiple fronts. McLoughlin stormed out to a commanding 11-6 lead after 4 and half innings. Then the wheels came off for the 4A Pioneers as McLoughlin pitching was in a magnanimous mood, offering 13 walks, combined with 9 doubles by the Falcons. The result was an electrifying 13 run bottom of the 7th and a ridiculous 24-11 rout of the Pioneers. It is a game that the Falcons know they got away with one.
"We played pretty sloppy," Herbert lamented.
Elmira will host the Sutherlin Bulldogs from the 3A-5 Far West League on Wednesday April 3... weather permitting.
Girl's Basketball Season Ends on a Deep Skid
The Elmira girls basketball team said goodbye to their seniors and then said good bye to their dismal 3-19 season. In a year which included an 11 game losing streak that was aided by injuries to guard Carli Grossmiller and post Alexis White, the Lady Falcons followed up a 2 point win over lowly Siuslaw with a 6 game swoon to end the season. Often, over-matched by the bigger schools like Marshfield and Cottage Grove, Elmira found themselves playing strong down the stretch.
Going forward, the Lady Falcons will be doing so without head coach Ken Best who will be moving on in the 2019-20 season. Also likely to not return will be Junior Post 6-1 Maranda Hanson who was playing her first season of basketball. Throughout the tumultuous season, it was clear that not only was she struggling with the game, getting by on her sheer athleticism, but she was genuinely not enjoying herself at all. It is rumored she will shun basketball next year to concentrate on softball where she is a dominant pitcher for the Lady Falcons.
Going forward, the Lady Falcons will be doing so without head coach Ken Best who will be moving on in the 2019-20 season. Also likely to not return will be Junior Post 6-1 Maranda Hanson who was playing her first season of basketball. Throughout the tumultuous season, it was clear that not only was she struggling with the game, getting by on her sheer athleticism, but she was genuinely not enjoying herself at all. It is rumored she will shun basketball next year to concentrate on softball where she is a dominant pitcher for the Lady Falcons.
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Lady Falcons Roll to 3-0 Record, Seize #1 Ranking in 4A
Junior pitcher Maranda Hanson fired 8 strikeouts in a workmanlike, strong performance as the Elmira softball team cruised to a 6-1 non-league road victory over Creswell. The victory after two previous in the week, propelled the Lady Falcons to the #1 ranking in 4A for softball.
Despite the fact that game was close through 5 innings, Elmira never seemed to be out of control in a a game they never trailed. This was even during Creswell's only real threat mounted in the 4th inning. After being staked to a 2-0 lead on three Lady Bulldog errors, Creswell rallied against Hanson, who had pitched three innings of no-hit ball. A lead off double, an infield hit, and a hit batter loaded the bases with no outs. Hanson settled down and struck out the next batter, surrendered a single run on a fielder's choice ground out, and then struck out the final batter of the inning to snuff out the rally and hold the lead. Creswell would not threaten again.
The Lady Falcons' bats were slow to warm up, aided by some questionable umpiring that vexed both teams. However, Elmira erupted in the sixth inning when they got a run on a lead off homer by Ashley Feltz who crushed a line drive deep over the left field fence. After a walk and a hit batter, Carly Grossmiller cashed both runners in with a sharp 2-run single to make it 5-1. Feltz played add on in the 7th, when she rapped an RBI single, scoring Cheyanne White who led off the last inning with a hard double.
The story of the game though wound up being Hanson's complete control of the game. After putting down the Creswell rally, she gave up no hits, scattering two in the game. Hanson was 17 of 25 on first pitch strikes and has 24 strike outs already this season.
The Lady Falcons will participate in the Sandy Softball Tournament next week. Any parents who are attending the tournament feel free to share photos for publication and photo credits.
Despite the fact that game was close through 5 innings, Elmira never seemed to be out of control in a a game they never trailed. This was even during Creswell's only real threat mounted in the 4th inning. After being staked to a 2-0 lead on three Lady Bulldog errors, Creswell rallied against Hanson, who had pitched three innings of no-hit ball. A lead off double, an infield hit, and a hit batter loaded the bases with no outs. Hanson settled down and struck out the next batter, surrendered a single run on a fielder's choice ground out, and then struck out the final batter of the inning to snuff out the rally and hold the lead. Creswell would not threaten again.
The Lady Falcons' bats were slow to warm up, aided by some questionable umpiring that vexed both teams. However, Elmira erupted in the sixth inning when they got a run on a lead off homer by Ashley Feltz who crushed a line drive deep over the left field fence. After a walk and a hit batter, Carly Grossmiller cashed both runners in with a sharp 2-run single to make it 5-1. Feltz played add on in the 7th, when she rapped an RBI single, scoring Cheyanne White who led off the last inning with a hard double.
The story of the game though wound up being Hanson's complete control of the game. After putting down the Creswell rally, she gave up no hits, scattering two in the game. Hanson was 17 of 25 on first pitch strikes and has 24 strike outs already this season.
The Lady Falcons will participate in the Sandy Softball Tournament next week. Any parents who are attending the tournament feel free to share photos for publication and photo credits.
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Rough Start for Falcon's Baseball
The Falcons game against Hidden Valley High School was cancelled after the bus that was driving the team en route lost control and crashed through a fence and into a tree shortly after leaving Elmira High School. The driver and one student were transported to a local hospital. According to head baseball coach Ryan Wolgamott, there were enough minor injuries that the game at Pleasant Hill could not be played because of an insufficient number of players. Several players will be out for tomorrow's game at North Valley. Athletic Director Brian Brands suggested that they might make up the game while they were down south at Grant's Pass.
This was as the Falcon's were seeking to rebound from a moribund season last year.
"Our outlook is good when healthy.," said Wolgamott in an email. "I expect us to be much improved over last year's 3-19 team that went winless in league. I believe we
have the potential to finish around .500 in league and challenge for a
playoff spot."
Elmira returns 9 players from last year's team including Gavin Parker and C.J. Smith, both who were second team all conference in the 4A Sky-Em.
This was as the Falcon's were seeking to rebound from a moribund season last year.
"Our outlook is good when healthy.," said Wolgamott in an email. "I expect us to be much improved over last year's 3-19 team that went winless in league. I believe we
have the potential to finish around .500 in league and challenge for a
playoff spot."
Elmira returns 9 players from last year's team including Gavin Parker and C.J. Smith, both who were second team all conference in the 4A Sky-Em.
Mixed results on 2019 Boys Hoops Campaign
"I know our boys are disappointed that we didn’t make one of the playoff spots," said Falcon's head basketball coach Nick Garman in and email. "But I’m not disappointed in them at all." Garman's enthusiasm on a 9-13 (3-7 in the 4A Sky-Em conference) was based on the Falcons previous year.
"We were 0-10 in league the year before and we really only returned three kids off that team," Garman explained. "So we started over in a way and finished 9-13 overall, a pretty dramatic improvement."
 |
| Starting Falcons' center, 6-7 Jacob Marr towers above Junction City opponents for a rebound in Elmira's game against the Tigers Tuesday, February 5 at Elmira High School. Photo by Michelle Ossowski. |
The 2019-20 version of the Falcons will move on without starting point guard Paul Ossowski, and loose some length with the graduations of Keegan Cook and Jaden Palmer. Also moving on will be sixth man Riley Chambers.
There is evidence that the progress made this season will not be a one season aberration. Starters Christian Davis and Jacob Marr return this year. Davis showed flashes of devastating offense but also had periods where his shot abandoned him. Defensively he is long and aggressive. Marr will be a junior and with a year of being a starter in the rugged Sky-Em conference, he will be ready to up his game which at times seemed unstoppable. However, the 6-7 sophomore needed work defensively and sometimes struggled against offensively versatile centers.
 |
| Junior wing Christian Davis scores against two defenders in the Falcons' victory over the Vikings, Tuesday February 12. Photo by Michelle Ossowski |
Others playing a key role next year will be Gannon Harpole, 6-5 Cobyn Herbert, Mason Smart and Keaton Warner, as well as JV players Jacob Admire and Josiah Hernandez.
 |
| 6-5 sophomore Cobyn Herbert battles two Siuslaw defenders for a rebound in the Falcons' 23 point blow out Tuesday February 12. Photo by Michelle Ossowski |
The real revelation of the season was the ascension of Bryson Forsman during the last third of the season. Not big or long, Forsman nonetheless became a vital scoring weapon for the Falcons down the stretch including a 25 point outburst in a victory against Junction City. It will be interesting to see how coach Garman utilizes him next year. Forsman's real contribution was an almost frenetic and fearless energy. Smaller than most front liners, Forsman would courageously take forays into the paint, attacking the opponent's rim. He also has a competent outside game to complement his aggression and, despite his size, he is a frustrating defender.
 |
| Bryson Forsman shoots a three pointer off a screen by Riley Chambers in Elmira's big win over Siuslaw, Tuesday, February 12 at Elmira High School. |
"It probably seemed like Bryson did come out of nowhere," Garman commented. "But that was mainly due to a lingering illness that kept him out of most of the first two weeks of the season. He then had to play catch-up in a couple of ways. One, he had to get in basketball shape and was two weeks behind in some ways and two, he had to learn our system and style of play as a transfer kid. He is an excellent penetrator, a decent three-point shooter and an above average pull-up jump shooter. He improved a lot defensively and is an excellent rebounder, especially for his size. He is a pretty tenacious kid.
Monday, March 11, 2019
Injury Halts McDougal's Championship Quest
On the verge of being a dominant factor in girl's 4A wrestling in only her freshman year, Anna McDougal's season ended suddenly just 1 minute and 29 seconds into the )SAA Girls Championship wrestling match at Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Saturday night, February 24.
"She (Hood Valley senior Grace Miller) had me on my back," described McDougal. "I was arching to get a reversal and that's when it happened, like a stinger." The sudden paralysis in her arms turned the festive nature of the state championship tournament into a harrowing time of silence as McDougal was attended by paramedics on a stretcher and transported to a local hospital, McDougal's suspicion of a neck stinger was realized.
"I had to wear a neck brace for a week," McDougal noted with disgust.
The loss in the championship round does nothing to lessen the astounding success of the youngster from Veneta. All the freshman did was compile a 30-9 record in her first season. This included a staggeringly dominant 26 pins. McDougal has recovered nicely as of press time and that means three more seasons of strong showings going forward. When asked if she thought she was going to win the championship match against Miller, McDougal only smiled coyly.
 |
| Elmira freshman Anna McDougal is declared victor in a match earlier this season. McDougal was the state runner up in the girls division. Photo by Kimberly Lillie. |
"She (Hood Valley senior Grace Miller) had me on my back," described McDougal. "I was arching to get a reversal and that's when it happened, like a stinger." The sudden paralysis in her arms turned the festive nature of the state championship tournament into a harrowing time of silence as McDougal was attended by paramedics on a stretcher and transported to a local hospital, McDougal's suspicion of a neck stinger was realized.
"I had to wear a neck brace for a week," McDougal noted with disgust.
The loss in the championship round does nothing to lessen the astounding success of the youngster from Veneta. All the freshman did was compile a 30-9 record in her first season. This included a staggeringly dominant 26 pins. McDougal has recovered nicely as of press time and that means three more seasons of strong showings going forward. When asked if she thought she was going to win the championship match against Miller, McDougal only smiled coyly.
Wednesday, January 23, 2019
Falcon Boys Make a Statement Against Siuslaw
At 5-13, no one is going to mistake the Siuslaw Vikings with the Golden State Warriors. However, it was important for the Elmira Falcons basketball team to show that their resurrection from an 0-5 start wasn't a fluke and that with the second half of the conference schedule on tap, they still could find themselves in the upper tier of the 4A Sky-Em Conference. The Falcons took a step in that direction by eventually dismantling hapless Siuslaw 70-44 at Elmira High School, Tuesday, January 22.
 |
| Elmira guard Bryson Forsman goes up to dunk on a breakway as the Falcons overwhelmed Siuslaw 70-44, Tuesday, January 22 at Elmira High School. Photo by Kimberly Lillie. |
On first glance of the statistics, Elmira's poor shooting under 40% would be a cause for concern. However, the new strategy was clear: bombs away. The Falcons chucked up a season high 66 shots, converting 26 of them. Three players scored in double figures for the Falcons. Jacob Marr who only scored 5 points in the first half, rebounded to finish with 16.
 |
| Christian Davis fires up a 12 foot jumper... one of his 14 shots on the night... in Elmira's 70-44 victory over Siuslaw, Tuesday, January 22 at Elmira High School. Photo by Kimberly Lillie. |
Keagan Cook and Christian Davis were the primary bombardiers though, firing up 27 shots between them and scoring 14 and 11 respectively. Paul Ossowski chipped in 7 points and got to the line twice.
 |
| 6-6 Jacob Marr posts up for two of his 16 points in the Falcons 70-44 victory over Siuslaw, Tuesday January 22 at Elmira High School. Photo by Kimberly Lillie. |
The victory left the Falcons 7-9 (1-3 in conference play) going into a Friday night tilt on the road against 4th ranked Marshfield. It is the first of three games on the road, including a non conference tilt with Crow, before starting the second half of the conference schedule. A victory over the Pirates in Coos Bay would be a staggering, but not unrealistic, expectation for Head Coach Nick Garman's team. Considering their start, and the quality of their improvement since the beginning of the year, the story is still yet to be written.
ONE LITTLE VICTORY; THE GREATEST THAT CAN BE (apologies to the rock band Rush)
Led by Sydney Greene's 3 three pointers in the first half and an angry, tenacious defense, the Lady Falcons managed to hold off a plucky but over matched Siuslaw squad 36-34 at Elmira High School, Tuesday January 22. The win broke an 11 game losing streak and raised the Falcons' record to a humble 3-13.
However, Elmira almost let the Lady Vikings off the hook. At one time holding a comfortable 8 point lead in the third quarter, the Lady Falcons found Siuslaw cutting into the lead with the help of a back court press and tenacious play by Brea Blankenship and 5-9 Gracie Freudenthal. Both teams suffered from poor shooting and sloppy ball handling.
The key to victory however was clear. When Maranda Hanson was on the floor, the Lady Vikings simply didn't have easy lanes to the rack, with sophomore center collecting 4 blocked shots on the evening and redirecting the several more.
The win over lowly Siuslaw doesn't reconcile a difficult, injury plagued season, but it does get them in the win column and end that treacherous 11 game string of futility. The Lady Falcons need to covet the feeling because their next endeavor will be daunting as they travel to Coos Bay to play the #1 ranked team in the state, Marshfield on Friday night.
 |
| Lady Falcons senior Sydney Greene fires a three point shot from above the key in Elmira's 36-34 victory over Siuslaw, Tuesday January 22. Photo by Kimberly Lillie. |
However, Elmira almost let the Lady Vikings off the hook. At one time holding a comfortable 8 point lead in the third quarter, the Lady Falcons found Siuslaw cutting into the lead with the help of a back court press and tenacious play by Brea Blankenship and 5-9 Gracie Freudenthal. Both teams suffered from poor shooting and sloppy ball handling.
 |
| Elmira's Eden Blunt slashes to the basket in the Lady Falcons 36-34 victory over Siuslaw, Tuesday, January 22 at Elmira High School. Photo by Kimberly Lillie. |
The key to victory however was clear. When Maranda Hanson was on the floor, the Lady Vikings simply didn't have easy lanes to the rack, with sophomore center collecting 4 blocked shots on the evening and redirecting the several more.
 |
| Falcons front line players Maranda Hanson and Alexis White battle Siuslaw's Mia Corrine for a rebound in Elmira's 36-34 victory over the Lady Vikings, Tuesday, January 22. Photo by Kimberly Lillie. |
The win over lowly Siuslaw doesn't reconcile a difficult, injury plagued season, but it does get them in the win column and end that treacherous 11 game string of futility. The Lady Falcons need to covet the feeling because their next endeavor will be daunting as they travel to Coos Bay to play the #1 ranked team in the state, Marshfield on Friday night.
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
A WEEK OF WOE
Boys Basketball: Marrs Attacked
Sophomore post man, Jacob Marr had a breakout game, pounding inside and scoring 20 points and swatting 3 blocks on 8 of 16 shooting against Marist Catholic on Friday, January 11 at Elmira High School. Mysteriously though, he played scant minutes in the fourth quarter. The Falcons' inability to perimeter defend and the rest of the team's 7-17 shooting allowed Marist to rally to beat Elmira 47-35.
If the Marist game was a revelation for Marr, the Junction City game was a nightmare for him. 6-2 Tiger senior center, Cameron Gibson had a field day schooling the younger Marr in the art of post play, scoring virtually at will. Gibson's 28 points allowed Junction City to rebound from a game that the Falcons seemingly had under control only to fall 57-51 at Junction City High School, Tuesday January 15.
Cottage Grove raced out to a 16-0 start on 9-12 shooting early and never trailed against Elmira Marrs faced a triumvirate of Lion centers all 6-5 or taller. Jasper Ferguson, Creed Lufkin, and 6-8 Shambay Trapp combined for 31 points in the Lions' 53-40 victory over the Falcons at Cottage Grove High School, Friday January 18. Marrs had a horrid night shooting only 2 of 8, not getting to the foul line and having two of his shots redirected by the Leo's tri-towers. Keegan Cook and Christian Davis scored 13 and 10 respectively for Elmira in the loss.
After rallying over the Christmas break from 0-5 to 6-6, the Falcons now find themselves 6-9 with a winnable game Tuesday night against the Vikings of Siuslaw.
Girls Basketball:Losing Streak Plummets to 11 Straight
The Lady Falcons kept good company with the boys with consecutive losses to Marist, Junction City and Cottage Grove. Short handed with Alexis White and Carly Grossmiller out, lost 51 -34 to Marist Friday January 11th in the conference opener for both schools.
Grossmiller returned after a month recovering from a knee injury to suffer a dismal shooting night as the Lady Tigers mauled Elmira 67-33 at Junction City High School on Tuesday January 15.
Alexis White returned to the line up and for much of the game the Falcons had the makings of a supreme upset over the 9-6 Lady Lions of Cottage Grove. Though she struggled shooting, Grossmiller provoked the offense for the Falcons, getting to the free throw line 7 times. Sydney Green also showed no shortage of aggressiveness, not only firing up 16 3-pointers, hitting on 5 of them but also getting a rare technical foul in the game. Green led all scorers with 17. A surprise contributor to the offense was Ashley Feltz who scored 10 points including 2 old fashioned plus 1 three point plays.
Though the wins haven't testified to the effort and progress shown in the game against Cottage Grove, the intensity and crispness of the Lady Falcons has been improving now that the injury bug has been sequestered. A tasty opportunity for victory lurks Tuesday January 22, as the 4-13 Siuslaw Lady Vikings come to Elmira off a grizzly 77-24 drubbing at the hands of Marshfield.
Monday, January 14, 2019
Lady Falcons Continue Tail Spin
After losing a heartbreaking 28-25 home decision to Tillamook, a game which the Lady Falcons led almost the entire game, Elmira looked to the return of star guard Carly Grossmiller to revive their moribund offense and take some of the scoring pressure off of starter Sydney Green.
However, Grossmiller found that her shot was rusty from a month of inactivity as she recovered from a knee injury. Grossmiller was a dismal 1 for 14 shooting and despite a season high 21 points from Green, Elmira lost their conference home opener to Marist Catholic 51-34 in a game that wasn't as close as the score indicated.
The true culprit in the contest however was Marist forward Ruby Vlahov who dominated inside and out for 23 points, including 9 points from outside the arc. Vlahov's outburst and Elmira's generosity in surrendering 16 first half turnovers, allowed Marist to cruise to a 40-19 lead going into the fourth quarter.
The Lady Falcons will seek their first conference victory with a road contest against Junction City, Tuesday January 15. The game will be broadcast on KOCF radio, 92.5FM.
However, Grossmiller found that her shot was rusty from a month of inactivity as she recovered from a knee injury. Grossmiller was a dismal 1 for 14 shooting and despite a season high 21 points from Green, Elmira lost their conference home opener to Marist Catholic 51-34 in a game that wasn't as close as the score indicated.
The true culprit in the contest however was Marist forward Ruby Vlahov who dominated inside and out for 23 points, including 9 points from outside the arc. Vlahov's outburst and Elmira's generosity in surrendering 16 first half turnovers, allowed Marist to cruise to a 40-19 lead going into the fourth quarter.
The Lady Falcons will seek their first conference victory with a road contest against Junction City, Tuesday January 15. The game will be broadcast on KOCF radio, 92.5FM.
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Holiday Break Results...
Falcons Boys' Season Finds Christmas Cheer
After suffering a 68-32 drubbing at the hands of Milwaukee in the opener of their own tournament, the Elmira boy's basketball team stood at a cringe-worthy 0-5 on the young season. Christmas came early however, as the Falcons bounced back to pound Lebanon by 16. The turnaround continued as the Lebanon game was part of a 5-1 streak during the break that lifted the Falcons to #17 in the state.
The Falcons made it a 6-1 streak with a 56-47 road victory over Tillamook in the last non-conference game of the year.
"We played sloppily, especially on defense, in the first half," said Elmira Head Coach Nick Garman in an email. "We really put the clamps on them in the second half. Improved leadership, better handle on the offense, drastically improving team defense, and getting some healthy bodies back have all led to the six wins in the last seven games."
Keegan Cook sparked the Falcons with 13 points, 9 from 3 point range as well as sweeping 10 boards. Jacob Marr added 12 points with an efficient 6 of 7 shooting and eight rebounds. .
The Falcons made it a 6-1 streak with a 56-47 road victory over Tillamook in the last non-conference game of the year.
"We played sloppily, especially on defense, in the first half," said Elmira Head Coach Nick Garman in an email. "We really put the clamps on them in the second half. Improved leadership, better handle on the offense, drastically improving team defense, and getting some healthy bodies back have all led to the six wins in the last seven games."
Keegan Cook sparked the Falcons with 13 points, 9 from 3 point range as well as sweeping 10 boards. Jacob Marr added 12 points with an efficient 6 of 7 shooting and eight rebounds. .
 |
| Mason Oilar moves down court against a Sweet Home defender earlier this season. Photo by Kimberly Lillie. |
These are the results:
 |
| Riley Chambers gets a shot off in a game earlier this season. Photo Kimberly Lillie |
70-54 vs Lebanon W
51-46 @ North Bend W
44-63 @ #5 South Albany L
50-36 vs Phoenix W
59-46 vs Klamath Union W
66-42 vs Yamhill-CarltonW
56-47 @ Tillamook
56-47 @ Tillamook
HOLIDAY BREAK FOLLOW-UP
Holiday Break Leaves Lady Falcons Broken
A promising season that started out at 2-2, plummeted during the break into a 7 game losing streak that left the Lady Falcons at 2-9 on the season. The struggle began when star player Carly Grossmiller went down with a knee injury. Her return date is still unknown at press time.
 |
| Cassidy Coffman defends against a Sweet Home dribbler earlier this season. Photo by Kimberly Lillie |
 |
| Lady Falcons' forward powers up to score against a Sweet Home defender. Photo by Kimberly Lillie |
 |
| Senior Sydney Green skies to reject a Sweet Home players shot in a game played earlier this year. Photo by Kimberly Lillie |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)