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.
Monday, April 15, 2019
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.
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| 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.
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