Lady Outlaws are conference champions

The Lady Outlaws volleyball team beat the Sweet Home Huskies 14-16, 15-11, 15-10 in a rough brawl on Tuesday, November 3, earning the Outlaws the Capital Conference title.

Each team went into this playoff match with a 13-1 record. The tie-breaker was held in the gym of The Stayton Eagles and was packed full of fans and well wishers from Sisters and Sweet Home. The energetic crowds drove both teams to their highest levels of performance and as the games went on the enthusiasm grew.

The Huskies were in full control early in the match. They sought out the Outlaws' weak areas and hammered the ball down, bringing the score of the first game to 0-6, five minutes into the game.

The Outlaws' back line was ineffective, unsure of the Huskies' serves and hits. But they eventually started to read the serves and forced a sideout. The Outlaws made adjustments and strengthened every aspect of their game.

Hitting was strong from the Outlaws' left and right side hitters. Lindsey Garrison, who plays right front, rarely gets the opportunity for strong hits. This game she proved her capabilities with many forceful hits. She also contributed solid blocking.

Other strong hitters included Sara McMeekin, Krista Gardinier and Cortney Ellis. Ellis also recorded four blocks out of the team's season high of 13.

Setter Kirstyn Everson set well. She was often forced to pass it to the front line in order to save a shanked ball. Everson also assisted Garrison blocking and made one successful kill, set to her from Ellis.

Anna Summerfield served 15 of 16, including two aces. Ellis and Gardinier also served consistently.

When the match concluded The Outlaws claimed their fifth Capital Conference trophy. Each team member kissed the trophy and left the gym full of smiles. In the words of the team's slogan, "together they dominated."

"It was a great way to finish up the (league) season," said Jocelyn Evered. "Our main goal this year was to defeat them. It is that way every year, we can't wait to play them."

Evered, a sophomore, had four blocks and many effective hits from outside.

The state 3A tournament is just around the corner and the intensity level of practice is rapidly growing. Nearly a week of satisfactory practices have been focused on new plays and defensive strategies.

"I hope we have a lot of people come to support us. That will help us out so much," said Evered.

The Outlaws' first game is set for November 13 at 12 p.m. The tournament will be held at Oregon State University's Gill Coliseum.