The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The Sisters High School volleyball squad is anxious to start their long-awaited season, which as of now will consist of 13 league games in a six-week period. State-tournament play is still undetermined.

Coach Rory Rush would like to carry a roster of 10, but at this point, she’s definitely counting on her seven returning veteran players to be the core of the squad, and all are anxious and ready to hit the court.

Four seniors will play in their final season including Ellie Rush, Sophie Silva, Natalie Sitz, and Anessa Stotts.

Rush returns as a four-year starter and will run the Lady Outlaws’ fast-paced offense from the setter position. Ellie has great court awareness and will bring precise, accurate serving, leadership on the floor, and a competitive spirit that is infectious. Rush was named first-team all-league last season and received all-state honorable mention.

Silva is also back as a four-year starter. She will bring athleticism and quickness to the team as a middle hitter. Sophie is a smart player who also has great awareness on the court. She has the ability to shut down the opponents’ offense with her timing on the block, and cause them to become very frustrated. Sophie is a great passer in the back row, and will bring added energy and leadership on the floor. She was a second-team all-league selection last year.

Sitz returns as a three-year starter and will play as an outside hitter. Natalie is a versatile player and can handle any position on the floor. She is a calm player and is aware of everything going on around her. Her nickname is “Steady Eddy,” because in intense situations she is never rattled, stays calm, and steps up and makes big plays. She has become stronger physically as a hitter due to her hard work in the off season.

Stotts, a three-year starter, rounds out the returning senior players and will also play as a middle hitter. Anessa can step in and play at any position. This year she will primarily be a hitter and is working hard to be an offensive threat opposite Silva in the middle.

Three juniors complete the solid, veteran core: Greta Davis, Sydney Myhre, and Maddie Pollard.

Davis is a three-year starter and a force to be reckoned with. She’s grown even stronger over the off season and will bring a powerful, quick attack as an outside hitter. She plays with energy and excites her teammates on the court. Greta was a first-team all-league pick last year and also earned second-team all-state recognition.

Myhre, a three-year starter, will play as a right side hitter and as a defensive specialist. She has good sense on the floor and is also able to play any position. This year the coaches hope for her to bring strong blocking and attacks from the right side. Her quickness and ability to read the ball will make her a threat from the back row as well. Sydney was honorable-mention all-league last year.

Pollard is a two-year starter and has worked hard to establish herself as a solid passer in the back row. Maddie plays with a calm disposition and her competitive spirit helps her rise to the occasion in the fast-paced moments on the court.

“This group has been anxious for the season to start for seven months,” said Coach Rory Rush. “They have looked forward to another league title and another trip to the state tournament since we left Forest Grove over a year and a half ago. This group of seniors is chomping at the bit to make their mark, continue the traditions set by those before them, and raise the bar for those coming after them. While things look different for them this year, the achievements they desire haven’t changed.”

The Outlaws first match of the season will be at home against Bend High School on Tuesday, March 2, and is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.