MONMOUTH It seemed only reasonable that Powder Valley and Cove would meet for the championship at the OSAA/U.S. Bank Class 1A state volleyball tournament Saturday at Western Oregon University.

After all, the two Old Oregon League rivals had something to settle after splitting four matches during the regular season.

Saturday, Coves Kelcie Robinson, a 5-foot-11 junior middle blocker, had 10 kills and seven blocks to lead the Leopards to their first state volleyball title, a 17-15, 15-3 win over the Badgers.

Cove, which was making its first tournament appearance since 1987, finished the season 28-2. Both the Leopards and Powder Valley were in the championship match for the first time.

Powder Valley finished fifth at the state tournament a year ago.

A kill by Robinson staked the Leopards to a 9-1 lead in the first game, but Powder Valley staged a comeback and tied the game at 15-15 on a kill by Amanda Bingham. Cove won on a service ace by Lisa Scheele.

Cove scored 11 consecutive points to take command of the second game.

The Leopards reached the final by knocking out defending champion Elkton 15-6, 9-15, 15-6 in the semifinals.

Powder Valley, 20-4 overall, defeated Dufur in the semifinals.