Lady Outlaws crowned state champions

Sisters defeated league rival Marist in four sets on Saturday, November 14, to claim the state title, their second in the last three years.

The Lady Outlaws won the title in 2007, and in 2008 were runners-up.

Sisters faced Marist three times during the regular season. The Outlaws won their first match-up against the Spartans at the start of the season and then dropped the last two in five-game marathon matches. This was Sisters' last opportunity to play Marist, as they will move to 5A next year.

The prize on the line was huge, but the Outlaws proved they were the better team when it was all on the table. Sisters took down Marist 25-21, 25-16, 14-25 and 25-19.

The Lady Outlaws came out strong and completely focused. Game one was a battle back and forth, point for point. Neither team led by more than three points until late in the game when the Outlaws began to gradually widen the margin and forged on to take the frame 25-21.

The Outlaws took advantage of the Spartans' unforced errors and sailed to a 25-16 win in game two. In the third game the score bounced back and forth, and then Sisters got into trouble defensively and struggled to put anything together. Chelsea Reifschneider came off the bench and helped change the chemistry, but the Spartans were able to take game three.

"We came back more focused in game four and were determined not to let the match go to game five. My seniors were incredibly focused and played with all the determination and poise you could ask for," said Coach Diane Bremer.

The Outlaws defense was solid, and Sydney Stoneback, Marissa Calavan and Jessie Snow refused to let anything touch the Outlaws' backcourt. Kaity Douglass continued to put up the assists as Hannah Harrer, Haylee Schaab and Courtney Satko pounded the ball.

Mary Jane Schulte was effective from the service line. Freshman Megan Minke delivered a right-side kill for the 24th point. A service ace from Jessie Snow sealed the match.

Tears, hugs and celebration ensued as fans descended on the court and the Outlaws realized they'd won the championship title.

Haylee Schaab and Hannah Harrer each had 14 kills in the match, and Harrer also added eight blocks. Megan Minke had five kills and five blocks and Kaity Douglass dished out 40 assists.

"We are thrilled to have accomplished our goal. This was truly a team effort. Our blend of seasoned veteran players and the talent of our youth made a great combination. We are elated and so pleased to bring this home for our community, and I'm proud of the 12 young women who truly had the chemistry and heart to be No. 1 again," said Bremer.

Hannah Harrer was named Qwest Player of the Game, as was Alexis Mollahan, the setter for Marist. Haylee Schaab and Jessie Snow were named to the first team all tournament and Harrer was named to the second team all tournament.

Bremer gave a special thanks to Kristina Sparling, who joined the varsity squad from the JV to finish out the postseason with the Outlaws. Bremer also noted that Ben Bremer has been with the team as manager for the past three years and this year, along with Zander Albertson, took over 1,000 photos for the team.