Warriors sweep aside depleted Ilwaco teamROCHESTER – With only 15 of a possible 29 players making the trip, the Lady Fishermen were defeated in three consecutive games at Rochester Thursday in Trico League volleyball action. “We started three of our original varsity players and added three freshmen to the lineup,” Coach Candy Johnson explained. Illness and leaving early for the weekend were among the excuses for the absences of other starters, according to the coach.

Rochester rolled to 25-12, 25-7, and 25-10 lopsided wins against the depleted Lady Fishermen squad. Besides being shorthanded, some of the available Ilwaco players were forced to play in unfamiliar positions. “We didn’t have any outside hitters available so we had to move some players and that led to some confusion,” said Johnson.

Freshman setter Kate Denton earned praise from Johnson, as did Erin McDonnell. McDonnell has been a consistently steady and effective player all season and has led the team by example throughout the campaign, no matter the adversity her team has faced.

The Lady Fishermen drop to 1-7 in league and 1-9 overall and will host LaCenter on Thursday.

NHS’ Cheryl Steppe nominated for High School HeismanNASELLE – Naselle senior Cheryl Steppe is among the several hundred Washington and Oregon nominees for the High School Heisman award which is presented annually by the Wendy’s Restaurant chain. The award recognizes the nation’s seniors for their ability to maintain high levels in academics, athletics and community service. The local high school principals nominate the candidates for the award.

Steppe is currently a starter on the Naselle Comets volleyball team and she will be a main member of the Comets girls’ basketball team when that season starts.

Each state will select 20 finalists by Oct. 30 and two state winners will be selected on Nov. 6. Twelve national finalists are chosen from the state winners and a male and a female winner are picked from among the national finalists in New York City.

Comets win big over Tacoma BaptistTACOMA – The Naselle Comets are getting used to this winning on the road stuff, as they once again travel well outside the area and come back with a big win. The Comets spoiled the Crusaders Senior Night with a convincing 34-7 victory Saturday. Naselle is now 2-2 in the Pacific League and 4-3 overall on the season.

More information from this game will appear in next week’s Chinook Observer.