By Riley Buerk

Volleyball season is well underway and the Cougars find themselves struggling in a stout Southern Region so far. Compiling an overall record of 10-18, Clackamas is in rebuilding mode this season after multiple players elected to continue their careers elsewhere or stop playing altogether.

CCC only returned five of 14 players from last year’s squad that finished fifth in the South Region with a 8-7 record in conference play and missed the playoffs after falling to Clark College in a win-or-go-home play-in game.

Fast forward to the current season and the Cougars are in seventh place in the South Region with a 2-6 record in conference play. Touting seven freshmen, the Cougars have found it difficult to find their footing, suffering through two six-game losing streaks and have yet to win on the road in conference play.

The team hasn’t made it to the playoffs since 2014, under former coach Kathie Woods, when they went 10-0 in region, 37-13 overall and finished as the region champions. The Cougars are led by sophomore middle blocker Madison McBee who has 80.5 points on the season, freshman libero Josie Carlson who has 73.5 points on the season, and freshman outside hitter Taylor Jobe who has contributed 71.0 points so far.Their most recent game fell on Oct. 9 at Linn-Benton Community College, where they got swept 3-0. The Cougars were led by Carlson, who contributed 6 kills and 8 points, and sophomore middle blocker Madison Mcbee, who had 4 kills and 6 points.

The next home game is Friday, Oct. 18 vs Lane. Friday night’s game is Dig Pink night, so come out and show your support for those battling breast cancer by wearing pink and cheering your Cougars to victory.