Spirits are high at Clackamas

The Cavaliers are experienced, and they believe they have the horses to make the final eight

By John Denny

The Clackamas Review, Sep 10, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009

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CLACKAMAS — Clackamas volleyball coach Jim Stultz says he was encouraged by his charges’ play in their first competition of the season, the 2008 Westview Jamboree.

“We went 6-1 and we beat Southridge 25-20,” said Stultz. “Last year we played Southridge in the jamboree and it wasn’t close, and Southridge was ranked fifth in the state most of last year.”

The Cavaliers also won Westview Jamboree games over Benson, Putnam, Westview, Beaverton and Aloha. Their lone loss came in a close match with Sunset, which they lost 25-22.

“Last year we were a little intimidated [at Westview],” said Clackamas senior co-captain Kirsten TenHaken.

“This year we went in and took care of business,” said co-captain Taylor Isaacs.

“It gives us a lot of confidence,” said TenHaken. “It shows us we can be a great team.”

“Defensively, this team is pretty good,” said Stultz. “There are not a lot of balls hitting the floor. And we’re much improved on offense. Last year our biggest problem was we had lost six hitters from the year before. Our attack was inexperienced and we struggled to keep the ball on the court.

“We’re way better [on offense] this year. We’ve got our attackers back, and they’re a lot more consistent.”

“Our goal this year is the same as last year,” said TenHaken. “To make the final eight. It was our goal last year, only no one really believed we could do it.”

“This year everyone knows and believes we can win,” said Isaacs. “It’s exciting!”

Missed the most from last year in the Cavaliers’ 5-1 offense is first-team all-league setter Hannah Souter.

Isaacs (5-5), a two-year starter on defense, has stepped in to fill the void.

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