Lady Outlaws win final game in holiday tournament

The Lady Outlaws hosted the Sisters Holiday Tournament on Monday and Tuesday, December 27-28.

Sisters got beat by Tillamook 41-34 and then lost 52-41 to Madras on day one of the tourney. Sisters just could not close either of those games out. The Lady Outlaws were down by one against Tillamook with just 1:29 left in the game, and they found themselves in a similar scenario against Madras.

With under three minutes left, Sisters was again down only by one in their matchup against the White Buffaloes.

Susan Ruettgers played a great defensive game in the second half against Tillamook and was able to shut down their perimeter attack.

"Susie's length and agility make her a defensive weapon for us when we get her matched up on shorter guards," said Coach Kevin Cotner.

Ruettgers led the team with 11 points and 10 rebounds and Chelsie McConville added 10 points.

In Sisters' game against Madras the Outlaws closed the gap at the close of the third quarter. The Outlaws trailed by just two at 35-33 and made it a one-point game with three minutes left on the clock.

Sisters was in foul trouble for most of the game, which proved costly down the stretch. The Outlaws sent the White Buffaloes to the line 11 times in the fourth quarter. Madras hit their free throws and pulled away for the win.

Cotner was pleased with his team's intensity and effort, but noted he would have liked to have seen better execution down the stretch.

Ruettgers and Nicole Meadors each scored 11 for the Outlaws. Meadors hit two big threes for Sisters in the third to help narrow the White Buffaloes lead.

"It comes down to possessions for us," said Cotner. "We have to be productive with our possessions, especially late in the game."

On Tuesday, Sisters earned a big 57-35 victory over Grant Union (GU). The Outlaws jumped out early and at the close of the first quarter were up 17-6. At the half, Sisters had pushed to a commanding 31-11 advantage. A great defensive effort led to transition buckets for Sisters which helped them build the early lead. The Outlaws continued their fine play in the second half and easily put GU away.

"We got going early and never really looked back," said Cotner. "It has been common with us to play down to our opponents in this type of situation but tonight they put the game away early. We needed this type of game and this type of win. We were able to get through our rotation and still execute offensively and create scoring opportunities. It was nice to see the scoring so distributed."

Danelle Allen and Taylor Nieri each scored 11 points, and Marin Allen added nine.

"Our focus is now turned to league play," said Cotner. "We have to take all of the positives from preseason and start applying them to league play. I'm looking forward to the next couple of months and the growth that this team will make."

The Outlaws open league at Marist on Tuesday, January 5, and then host Elmira on Friday, January 8. Games are set to begin at 7:30 p.m.