Central High School takes on Douglas High School for the 3rd Place Trophy today at Noon.  These two quarter-finalists find themselves here after successfully winning their first match of the tournament yesterday then losiing their second match in evening play. Central put up quite a fight against #1 ranked LaGrande last night going 5 games with the GOL Powerhouse. 25-23, 22-25, 21-25, 25-20 & 16-14. Like I commented on yesterday, this Central team is impressive and expect great things out of them next year with a Roster chalk-full of sophomores and juniors, Central will be back at Lane next year.

Game 1:  Douglas wins game 1 with great kills and tough serving.  Central hasn't found their groove yet but I think it's lurking nearby. 25-20.

Game 2:  Central's groove has returned and with a vengeance! Tough net play stops Douglas's attack quickly. Swanson, Banson and Norman pound the ball time and time again at Douglas, ending this game abruptly! 25-14.

Game 3: Central is on a terror. Fun team to watch at this tournament and honestly, a huge surprise to most. This game ends faster than the last one and Central's 1 game away from a 3rd Place Trophy. 25-12

Game 4: After watching Douglas battle in previous matches, I'm not counting them out yet. They show great composure when the momentum swing isn't going their way. Central leads 23-14 Douglas time-out. A kill by junior Courtney Bush and two hitting errors by Central puts Douglas within reach. 23-19. Time Out Central, 23-21.  Central's Swanson blisters 2 HUGE kills giving Central the win! 25-21.  Central takes home the 3rd Place Trophy!!  Douglas takes home 5th! Congratulations Coach Bone, Wayman and the Lady Panthers! You impressed the heck out of me! Congrats to Douglas for another successful year and great showing at the State Tournament.