By Chris Herndon,
For only the second time in school history, the North Lake Cowgirls
volleyball team advanced to the state playoff tournament, finishing
among Oregon’s top eight teams. Led by head coach Melissa Roth and
assistant coach Kayleigh Fivecoat, the Cowgirls put together a season
of determination, teamwork, and historic success. The team fished with
a 23-9 record and 10-2 in league play.
Coach Roth reflected on what made this season special. “We have
been working to be aggressive and fearless in our attacks and offense,
and I feel we consistently accomplished this,” she said. “But the hardest
and most rewarding part was how close our team became and worked
to get along as a family. Our team word was: UNITED.”
That mindset helped the Cowgirls achieve several key milestones,
including winning all three regular-season tournaments. Their biggest
victory came in the second round of the state playoffs, where they
defeated North Douglas to secure a spot at the state tournament.
Every athlete on the 12-player roster contributed to the team’s success.
“Each and every one had moments that won an important set, turned
momentum in a crucial match, or pushed their teammates in practice,”
Roth said. Several individual performances stood out. Hannah Roth led
the team with 344 hitting kills and 199 consecutive serves. Emma Baker
dominated as the setter with 700 assists. Acacia Roth was a defensive
force with 54 blocks, while Cynthia Tobiasson led in serving with 77
aces. Dillynn Puckett finished with an outstanding 96% serving
accuracy.
The team’s success earned several league and state honors. Hannah
Roth was named league MVP and 2nd Team All-State. Emma Baker was
selected for 1st Team All-League and 2nd Team All-State, while Acacia
Roth earned 2nd Team All-League honors. The Cowgirls finished 2nd in
league play and received the Academic All-State Award.
Coach Roth emphasized how the Cowgirls balanced competitiveness
with sportsmanship. “Our team was very competitive, with a lot of
athletic players,” she said. “They pushed each other but also stayed
focused on getting along and staying united. Our team is one of the
most feared by competitors and yet known as one of the kindest and
nicest.”
The team’s success wouldn’t have been possible without community
support. “Thank you to our community, families, and school for your
support,” Roth said. “We love playing for our crowds and felt very
encouraged and supported.”
With this remarkable season, the North Lake Cowgirls have cemented
their place in school history, proving that teamwork, dedication, and
unity can take a team to new heights.