Tour of Oregon: Top Outside Hitters from Salem (2023/2022)

As we tour the state of Oregon, we will be making many stops throughout this great State. We will be stopping by cities big and small, highlighting the best athletes in those places. Second stop: Salem! Here are the top four outside hitters from the class of 2023 and 2022:  2023 [caption id="attachment_118513" align="alignleft" width="150"] Photo: OSAA Kayleigh CarpenterKayleighCarpenter5'9" | OHSouth Salem | 2023StateOR, 5’9", OH, South Salem High School, North Pacific Juniors Carpenter had a dominant freshman season for the South Salem High School Saxons, helping them finish fifth in the Mountain Valley Conference. Although only a freshman, that did not stop her from making a huge impact for the Saxons. She saw significant playing primarily playing on the outside but sometimes would play on the right side. She racked up 137 kills and 88 digs on the season. During club season she was a six rotation standout on the outside. She is an athletic and dynamic hitter who does a good job mixing up her attacking location. Last club season she played for North Pacific Juniors on their 15-1 National team.  Photo: OSAA Hannah BlubaughHannahBlubaugh5'8" | OHSprague | 2023StateOR, 5’8", OH/RS, Sprague High School, G3 Volleyball Blubaugh had a breakout season for the Sprague High School Olympians, helping them finish first in the Mountain Valley Conference. For the Olympians, she saw significant playing time on the right side but also stepped into the middle from time to time. She is a very versatile athlete and will jump into any position along the front row. She has a heavy arm and a powerful approach, leading her to many a kill. This upcoming club season she will be playing for G3 Volleyball on their 16-1 team.  2022 Photo: OSAA Hailey HeiderHaileyHeider5'9" | OHWest Albany | 2022StateOR, 5’9", OH, West Albany High School, North Pacific Juniors  Heider had a solid season for West Albany High School, helping them finish first in the Mid-Willamette Conference and securing a fifth-place finish in the 5A State tournament. She saw court time in both the front and back row and can play any position on the court with ease. She uses her athleticism, high vertical, and fast arm swing to put the ball away. This past summer she brought her skills to the sand with beach partner Emmi MarksEmmiMarks5'10" | OHWest Salem | 2022StateOR, who went to compete at the National Beach Tour Junior Championships in July. Last club season she played for North Pacific Juniors 16-1 National team.  Photo: OSAA Emmi MarksEmmiMarks5'10" | OHWest Salem | 2022StateOR, 5’10, OH, West Salem High School, North Pacific Juniors Marks had a breakout first season on Varsity for the West Salem High School Titans, helping them finish fourth in the  Mountain Valley Conference. For the Titans, she saw significant playing time on the right side, but for club season she plays on the outside. For her club team, she often played the full six rotations, honing her defensive skills. When attacking she does a great job locating the block and using it to her advantage, often tooling off the high hands of her opponents. This past summer she brought her skills to the sand with beach partner Hailey HeiderHaileyHeider5'9" | OHWest Albany | 2022StateOR, who went to compete at the National Beach Tour Junior Championships in July. Last club season she played for North Pacific Juniors 16-1 National team.