Astoria’s Volleyball Team Triumphs in State Playoffs, Warrenton Falls Short

Astoria High School’s girls volleyball team secured a significant victory over Cottage Grove in the first round of the state playoffs, winning in four sets and earning a place in the next round. The win came despite external doubts about the Fishermen’s chances, as many in Oregon’s sports media predicted a loss due to Cottage Grove’s strong performance in the regular season.

The match, held on November 3, 2025, showcased Astoria’s resilience and tactical adjustments. After losing the second set 25-19, the Fishermen regrouped and delivered an impressive performance. Captain Emery Young and fellow captain Kyah Gohr led the charge, with Gohr’s powerful kills and strategic playmaking proving decisive. Coach Eric Gohr praised his team’s defensive improvements and the overall effort, stating, “We just played on another level defensively.”

Young and Gohr’s contributions were evident as they combined for 31 kills, with Young achieving a team-high of 16 kills. Gohr added 15 kills and four blocks, demonstrating her dual-threat capability as both a hitter and a setter. This shift in roles allowed the Fishermen to adapt effectively to Cottage Grove’s tactics, particularly when they encountered the “around the campfire” strategy used by the Lions.

Following their triumph, Astoria now prepares to face the formidable Marist Catholic team, the top seed in the 4A division, which has only one loss this season. The match is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Friday morning, and Coach Gohr acknowledges the challenge ahead, saying, “Marist is unbelievable but we’ve got talent, too, and aren’t going away.”

Warrenton High School’s girls volleyball team, on the other hand, concluded their season with a competitive three-set loss against the No. 4 seed Sisters in the 3A State Tournament. The Warriors, who entered the tournament as the 20th seed, fought hard but ultimately fell short, losing with scores of 25-13, 25-18, and 25-20.

Despite the loss, Warrenton’s performance highlighted their potential for the future, particularly as they will only lose three seniors from this year’s squad. This season, the Warriors finished with an overall record of 13-10, showcasing the growth of a young team that is poised for further development in the coming years.

In summary, while Astoria’s Fishermen advance with optimism and determination, Warrenton’s Warriors reflect on a season filled with competitive spirit and promise for the future.