It's a perfect time for the East Linn volleyball team to hit its stride.

With one regular season game left before the Tri-River Conference playoffs, the Eagles are flying high.

East Linn beat Kennedy 20-25, 24-26, 25-20, 25-15, 15-11 on Monday and won both of its matches last week.

The Eagles beat Western Mennonite 24-26, 24-26, 25-19, 26-24, 15-13 on Oct. 20 and topped Santiam 25-17, 25-20, 25-27, 25-10 on Oct. 22.

It's even more impressive considering many members of the team have been hit by the flu bug.

"A lot of them have been sick," coach Jan Linville said. "I'm looking forward to everyone getting back and jelling."

East Linn plays at Salem Academy on Saturday to open conference playoffs.

If they win, they're guaranteed a spot in the state playoffs.

If they lose, they will have to win two more matches to qualify.

The Eagles lost both matches they played against Salem Academy earlier this season, but Linville thinks the team is ready to get over the hump.

"I think it's going to be tough but I do believe that they're beatable," she said. "They have a few hard hitters that we need to get a block on. It's definitely not a walk in the park."

East Linn is 20-6-1 overall this year. They've won 19 of their past 21 matches.