The scoreboard might not have showed it, but the effort did, so Taft High volleyball coach Kelsey Hart took a lot of positives away from the Tigers’ 3-0 league-opening defeat at Amity.

The Warriors downed Taft 25-16, 25-17, 25-12 in the Class 3A Coastal Range League opener for both teams.

“Their team came out strong, and our girls [JV and varsity] struggled out of the gates against their controlled passes, and heavy hitters,” Hart said. “But as the match continued, our girls started to find their rhythm.”

Taft returns to action Tuesday, Sept. 4, and Friday, Sept. 7, at home for nonconference matches against Toledo and Sutherlin, respectively, before resuming league play Tuesday, Sept. 11, at Yamhill-Carlton.

“For our first full match, I’m pleased with how things went,” Hart said. “While we would have liked to have a win under our belts, we came away from the match with confidence about what we were doing well, as well as a list of things to work on in practice.”

Hart said she was encouraged by the team’s attitude throughout the match.

“The girls were all very positive, and we ended our team meeting with compliments for other teammates about their performance, attitude, etc., during the match,” she said. “All in all, it was a very positive match, despite the loss.

“I think it showed the girls where their season can go if they work hard and show mental toughness. The coaching staff and players are all very excited for our upcoming home matches next week.”

3A Coastal Range League

Schedule

8/23 vs. Lincoln County Jamboree

8/25 @ Warrenton

8/30 @ Amity, L 3-0 (25-16, 25-17, 25-12)

9/4 7 p.m. vs. Toledo

9/7 5 p.m. vs. Sutherlin

9/11 6 p.m. @ Yamhill-Carlton

9/13 6 p.m. vs. Rainier*

9/18 5:30 p.m. @ Clatskanie*

9/20 6:30 p.m. vs. Nestucca

9/25 6 p.m. vs. Willamina*

9/27 6 p.m. @ Warrenton*

10/2 6 p.m. @ Rainier*

10/4 5:30 p.m. vs. Clatskanie*

10/6 8 a.m. @ Western Christian

10/9 6 p m. vs. Creswell

10/10 6 p.m. @ Willamina*

10/16 6 p.m. vs. Warrenton*

* Denotes league match

Roster