Girls split in first week of volleyball

The Sisters varsity volleyball season got underway last week, with the girls splitting two league matches.

The defending Capital Conference champions first went to Molalla, where they lost in three games. The game had been scheduled for Tuesday, September 11, but was rescheduled for Wednesday due to the tragic events of last week.

"We opened up pretty good and won the first contest, 15-13," said Coach Chris Crosby. "But we lost the next two, 8-15 and 9-15.

"We played tough, we played hard, but just made too many errors," he said. "We made some good defensive plays. We'd get the ball up, but just couldn't get it back in their court. We didn't get beat so much as we gave it away.

"We've worked hard in practice to put a new system in place, and I think we're still getting used to things."

The very next day, Outlaws hosted Sweet Home.

This being the first home game of the year, the coach felt the pressure, and his squad delivered, winning in two games, 15-13 and 15-7.

"The kids played great, and we had a good crowd that made lots of noise for us. It was good to be at home," he said.

"The first home game is always important, and it's good to get over that hump with a win," he noted.

Freshman Brianna Wellman led the team with four aces. Defensively, Bethany Benhower and Chelsea Hill each had six digs, and senior Elizabeth Mount had nine kills.

This week, the Outlaws will be busy, as they play host to Stayton, a tough opponent, on Thursday, September 20, at 5 p.m.

On Saturday, they host a tournament that features state champion Lakeview.

The action begins in the Sisters High School gym at 8:30 a.m.

Coach Crosby is in his first head coaching position, coming off extensive experience in junior and club level volleyball.

Sisters has had a highly successful program, winning the Captial Conference for seven years running. Crosby is working with a talented -- but young -- squad.