Nelson Hosts Sherwood in First-Round Playoff Match With Jesuit Awaiting Winner

No. 16 seed Adrienne C. Nelson High School (19-8) hosts No. 17 seed Sherwood (16-8) in the first round of the OSAA volleyball playoffs at 6 p.m. PDT Wednesday, Oct. 28, in Happy Valley. The winner advances to face Jesuit on the road Saturday, Oct. 31. The neighboring seeds bring Nelson a postseason test against a Sherwood team with one fewer victory and the same number of losses.

Outside hitter Avery Law gives the Hawks an established attacking option. She has recorded more than 216 kills during the 2026 season, along with 134 digs, 28 service aces and 11 total blocks. Her contributions extend beyond finishing points at the net: serving pressure and back-row defense will also be important as Nelson looks to disrupt Sherwood’s offense and build attacks from controlled first contacts.

Setter Cara Bennett enters the playoffs after crossing the 1,700-assist mark in Nelson’s last match against Clackamas. Libero and defensive specialist Adalee Huspek anchors the back row with 300 digs, 40 assists and 38 aces this season. Her ability to keep attacks in play can give Bennett chances to turn defense into offense. Alongside Law, the Hawks can look to Hazel Neal at opposite hitter and middle blocker and Anna Lucchi in the middle. Keeping those hitters involved will depend on the passing and defensive work that begins each Nelson possession.