Sheldon finishes in style.

Byline: Paula Lincoln The Register-Guard

SPRINGFIELD - The atmosphere was decidedly festive at Thurston High School on Monday night, where the lights were dimmed for player introductions and more than 75 red and black balloons decorated the gym for senior night.

But when it was all said and done, it was the senior class of Sheldon - Amanda Bevens, Callie Larson, Amanda Walsh, Jaime King, and Anna Smith - who were doing the celebrating.

The Irish had just swept Thurston 25-20, 25-15, 25-12 to wrap up their Midwestern League volleyball season with a 16-0 record. Add that to the 16-0 league record last season and the 15-1 mark in 2002, and the senior class at Sheldon was an impressive 47-1 over three years.

"This is so huge. We set very, very aggresive goals and to not give up a game (this season), let alone a match, is unheard of," Bevens said.

The Sheldon setter has been an integral part of the Irish's success and that proved to be the case Monday when she had nine digs, six kills, and three blocks in addition to her 31 assists. She was followed by Larson with 12 digs and 10 kills, junior Kaycee Gamez with 13 kills, 10 digs and four aces, and Smith with 13 digs.

"Amanda Bevens is the best player in this league and one of the best in the state. She makes things so much easier for us. A lot of the time, people don't notice setters and I'm not sure people know just how good she is," Sheldon coach Cathy Nelson said.

Local fans will get another chance to watch the Irish in action Saturday when Sheldon plays host to Intermountain No. 3 seed Pendleton in the second round of the Class 4A state championships.

Thurston, which tied for third with Lebanon but lost the tiebreaker after being swept by the Warriors, will travel to Valley League No. 4 West Salem for a first-round game Thursday. The winner plays at Southern Oregon champion Roseburg for a second-round game.

Midwestern League No. 2 seed Marshfield will be at home against Three Rivers No. 3 seed St. Helens and No. 3 seed Lebanon travels to Lincoln, the No. 2 seed from the PIL.

"Obviously, we're not as solid as they are. All the way around, they have a lot more experience. They have all the pieces in place and we don't yet," Thurston coach Didier Hemelsoet said.

Sophomore Kelsey Rogers had 22 digs and 10 kills, senior Erica Omlid had 14 digs and eight kills, and senior Cotie Howard added 13 digs to lead Thurston.

Alisha Partney had 10 kills, six blocks and six aces to lead host Marshfield to a 25-20, 25-18, 25-20 victory over South Eugene.

Izzy Yasana had 34 assists and Jen Bassett added 10 kills and nine digs for the Pirates.

Chelsea Hartman had 18 kills to lead Lebanon to a 25-17, 25-14, 25-23 victory over host North Eugene.

Jordan Burrows added 16 assists for the Warriors. Natalie Caldwell and Holly Coutts each had 10 kills for the Highlanders.

Carissa Lee recorded 10 kills as Churchill beat host Willamette 25-10, 25-12, 25-16.

Cara Bottineau had eight kills and Lindsay Smith added eight aces for the Lancers. Amdjela Elez led the Wolverines with nine kills and 13 digs.