The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The Outlaws trounced Crescent Valley 13-2 on Friday, April 26, and a day later clobbered South Eugene 17-6.

Ellie Cook started the scoring for Sisters on Friday’s game against Crescent Valley when she drove into the eight and took a high shot that sailed into the right side of the net for the unassisted goal. Pearl Gregg scored a big goal in the first half, when Mary Root transitioned the ball to Skylar Wilkins in the midfield. Wilkins passed to Pearl Gregg outside of the 12 where Gregg was all alone and scored with a high left shot into the net. The Outlaws were up 8-1 at the half. They held possession for seven minutes in an effort to slow down the scoring on their end, but were still on top 8-1 at the half.

In the second half, Maddie Symonds scored for the Outlaws. Symonds usually plays defense, but has shown interest and skill at the attack position, and proved she can play up front. Her goal came when she received a pass from Ellie Cook, drove, and scored from inside the eight.

Coach Shelby Wilcox told The Nugget that one play in particular stood out in the Outlaws’ win. Sylar Wilkins had the ball behind the goal, passed to Sophia Bianchi, who was wide open in the eight and took a quick-stick bounce shot between the goalies’ legs for the score. Kaylee Huber scored Sisters’ final goal of the contest to seal the win.

The Outlaws had beautiful midfield transition from their defense to attack throughout the game. Coach Shelby Wilcox told The Nugget that the Outlaws’ ball movement has grown tremendously since their first game of the season.

Ellie Cook, Kaylee Huber, Mary Root, and Pearl Gregg each scored two goals in the win. Root also had six draw controls, nine ground balls and four caused turnovers in the contest. Olivia Hougham and Maddie Symonds also contributed in the ground ball effort, with four each.

A day later against South Eugene the Outlaws scored on their first possession with a goal from Root, and quickly got on the scoreboard. Cook also had a nice goal when she wrapped the crease and beat off defenders for a low shot inside the eight. Sisters scored five more goals and held a 7-3 lead at the half.

The scoring spree continued throughout the second half. One goal came when Skylar Wilkins assisted Faith Hougham, who fought off three defenders and scored inside the eight, and the most exciting goal according to Wilcox came when Wilkins had a ground ball pick-up, and wrapped the crease for a shovel shot. Sisters scored six goals in the final half and won by 10.

Wilkins said, “This was an outstanding game for the Outlaws’ defense. This was the most cohesive I have seen our defensive end play. They worked as one beautiful unit. Across the board we really stepped up our transitions from defense to the attacking end, as well as our ability to check. This was a great game all around, and a fun game to watch.”

Wilcox noted the defensive play of Josie Aylor and Piper Adelt.

“Josie really led the defense to be what it was in this game, cohesive and strong,” said Wilcox. “Piper, a first-time goalie, really held her own. She had very strong instincts and has picked it up very well.”

Root led the squad with six goals, and Ellie Cook followed with four. Sydney Head had an overall great game, with two goals, seven draw controls, and seven ground balls. Skylar Wilkins scored two goals, and Kaylee Huber, Pearl Gregg and Faith Hougham added one goal each. Olivia Hougham contributed four draw controls, seven ground balls, and four caused turnovers.

The Outlaws are currently 2-1 in league and 6-1 overall, and are ranked No. 10 out of 41 teams. They will participate in the SALI tournament on Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5, and then finish up the season with a game at South Salem on Wednesday, May 8, and a game at Churchill on Friday, May 10.