The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The Outlaws started their week with a tough 15-2 loss at home to Summit on Tuesday, April 16, but two days later posted a 10-3 JV1 win at McNary.

In the win over McNary on Friday, a mix of varsity and JV players from both teams played in steady rain. The rain didn’t affect the Outlaws’ performance as they outplayed McNary from start to finish.

Sisters held a 5-2 advantage after two quarters of play. In the second half, the Outlaws held McNary to just one goal, and tacked on five more of their own for the win.

Gator Haken scored four goals for the Outlaws and Trey Stadeli contributed two. Riley Sellers, Wyatt Maffey, Max Palanuk, and Matt Harris each scored one goal. Connor Martin, Ricky Huffman, Wyatt Maffey, and Max Palanuk all had one assist.

Harris scooped up nine ground balls to lead the Outlaws, but freshmen Connor Martin, Gaven Henry, Riley Sellers, Wyatt Maffey, and Tanner Pease really helped out as each of them recorded five ground balls. Sisters finished with 48 ground balls compared to McNary’s 23.

The defensive unit of Harris, Oscar Rhett, Austin Ekern, and Mathew Retherford had an excellent game and made Anthony Randolph’s job in the goal much easier. They did a great job, and limited McNary to just 15 shots. Sisters also won the faceoff battle 10-5, and controlled the ball on the offensive end.

Sisters had seven players unable to attend the game, so the 16 players that did travel were able to get in a lot of playing time and varsity experience.

“This was a good game for us to go on the road and get a convincing win after our loss to Summit at home earlier in the week,” said Patton.

In Tuesday’s loss to Summit, the Outlaws had trouble stopping the Storm’s fast break off the faceoff in the first two quarters, and were down 11-2 at the half. Sisters did improve defensively as the game progressed, and only allowed the Storm three goals in the final half.

Haken scored both the Outlaws’ goals in their loss to Summit on Wednesday. Matt Harris led the team with seven ground balls, and goalie Anthony Randolph had 19 saves on 51 shots by the Storm, which Patton stated is excellent against such a strong team.

Sisters committed 21 turnovers in the contest, compared to Summit’s eight.

The Outlaws did have several good shots on goal, but unfortunately they were saved by their very good goalie.

Patton said, “Our young guys continue to improve from week to week, and the older boys are doing a good job of leading by example. Despite the lopsided score, we competed hard the whole game, and had some positive possessions to build on.”

The Outlaws will play at home against Summit JV on Wednesday, April 24, at home against Marist on Friday, and wrap up their week on the road against West Albany on Saturday.