Girls lacrosse squad improves

The girls lacrosse team lost 9-2 at St. Mary's in Portland on Thursday, April 1, and then fell 10-6 to Bend United on Tuesday, April 6. But despite the losses the Lady Outlaws are improving their play and developing stronger skills with each game played.

Sisters had a tough first half in their battle with St. Mary's. St. Mary's boasts one of the oldest lacrosse programs in the state, and it took the Lady Outlaws the first half of the game to settle in, remember basic skills and let go of their nerves. St. Mary's racked up seven goals in the first half compared to a lone goal from Loryn Cummins for Sisters.

Sisters also suffered two injuries within the first 15 minutes of the game. Harley Bowler came out of the game with a twisted ankle, and Amity Calvin came out due to a knee injury.

It was a different story the second half of the contest. The Outlaws held St. Mary's to two goals and scored one of their own. Sisters picked up their defense and Johanne Loughran did a great job in the goal.

"Johanne did an excellent job of blocking shots and kept St. Mary's to just two goals," said Coach Michele Hammer.

Hammer added, "We functioned more as a team in the second half. Despite losing two of our strongest players to injury, the rest of the team really stepped it up and played out of position and did a great job. It was definitely worth the seven-hour drive for a one-hour

game."

Mindy Marr suffered an injury in the second half and had to be removed from the game.

The Outlaws had a great first half in their match-up against Bend United. Sisters players executed on defense, moved to guard the goal and cut in and scored five times. Goals came from Whitney Hansen, Harley Bowler, Loryn Cummins, Lauren Alexander and Kaitlyn Hendrickson.

Bend United scored four quick goals to start the second half and went up 8-5.

Hammer said, "We came out in the second half and forgot what game we were playing. Bend United scored four goals at the beginning of the second half, bam, bam, bam, bam!"

Alexander scored one additional goal for Sisters midway through the final half to narrow Bend's lead to 8-6. Bend scored two more goals to win in a final score of 10-6.

Hammer is pleased with the progress her young team is making.

"Every game, the girls get better and smarter and become more confident," said Hammer. "It's been sad for us to lose one of our best players (sophomore Amity Calvin) due to an ACL injury and we're still unsure about Mindy Marr, who suffered damage to tendons in her heel."

The Lady Outlaws will play at Oregon City on Friday, April 16, and then travel to South Salem for two games one day later.