Lady Outlaws lose to two tough teams

The Lady Outlaws fell to top-ranked La Pine at home on Tuesday, January 13, 37-24, and three days later lost 42-35 at home to Pleasant Hill.

Coach Kevin Cotner explained Sisters' strategy for the game against No. 3 ranked La Pine.

"We did not want to get into a running game with them, but wanted to limit their offensive possessions and slow the game down. I thought that if we did this we could pull them out of their zone and get Conditt (post for La Pine) away from the hoop. This would then open up some easy scoring opportunities."

The Outlaws' strategy worked well in the first quarter and by the close of the period Sisters only trailed by three with a score of 7-4.

It was a rough second quarter for the Outlaws. La Pine went on a 14-0 run and held Sisters to just three points in the quarter. At the half the Hawks had pushed to a 22-7 advantage.

"Our strategy became less effective because the more that they (La Pine) scored, the less they had to extend out of their zone defense. I thought we tried to play their game in the second quarter and it hurt us," said Cotner.

The Outlaws held the Hawks to just 12 points in the second half but the deficit Sisters had accrued was too much to overcome.

Nicole Meadors led Sisters' scorers with six points and Kiana Jiminez added five.

Three days later the Lady Outlaws put up another tough battle against the Billies of Pleasant Hill.

Chelsie McConville hit a three-pointer to open the first quarter and give Sisters the early lead. At the close of the quarter the Billies had gone ahead and were up 7-5.

The Lady Outlaws played with more intensity in the second quarter and at the half Sisters had regained the lead at 19-16.

Sisters maintained the lead until the final minute of the third period. The Billies battled back and recaptured the lead by one at 26-25. The Lady Outlaws were unable to push on and finish, which resulted in a seven-point loss at 42-35.

Marin Allen led all scorers with 16 points. Allen scored six of those points in the second quarter and eight in the final period. Danelle Allen scored seven points and Susan Ruettgers added four points and pulled down five boards. Kiana Jiminez had seven rebounds on the night.

Sisters will hit the road for their next three games. The Outlaws will face Junction City on Tuesday, January 20, Cottage Grove on Tuesday, January 27, and Marist on Friday, January 30.