Outlaws volleyball off to fast start

The Lady Outlaws' volleyball team took top honors at the Cascade Tournament held on Saturday, September 10. Sixteen teams were in attendance and Sisters claimed the title, defeating LaSalle in the championship game with scores of 25-19 and 27-25.

Sisters started off the day in pool play with a 25-13, 25-19 win over Junction City. Sisters went on to beat Scappoose 25-18, 25-12 and then split games with Cascade with scores of 25-19, 24-26. The Outlaws took first place in pool play because they beat Cascade by a wider margin.

Lizzy Carhart did an outstanding job in the middle for Sisters. Carhart was tough at the net with her hits and blocks.

In bracket play, Sisters beat North Marion 25-21, 25-19, and advanced to the semi-finals with Cottage Grove. Sisters won both games against the Lions with scores of 25-14.

The Outlaws took down LaSalle 25-19, 27-25 in the championship game.

Coach Diane Bremer stated, "It was a back-and-forth match, but we were able to win because we were more solid and had more returning players. The girls were very excited. It was a great first tournament for us. We pushed through some close scores and were able to come out on top."

Sisters' defense was solid throughout the tournament. Sydney Stoneback was extraordinarily consistent and had only four errors for the day.

"We were very aware that teams were wanting to beat us, since we're the reigning state champs," said Bremer. "All the teams we played were very scrappy defensively, but we were able to outplay them at the net."

Two days earlier the Outlaws defeated the Stayton Eagles at home with scores of 25-18, 25-22 and 25-19.

Sisters staved off any first-game jitters, and several players had excellent performances.

Kaity Douglass dished out 31 assists and had 10 digs on the night. Sydney Stoneback had 17 digs and Chelsea Reifschneider led the offense with 16 kills.

"Everything Chelsea touched found its way to the floor," said Coach Diane Bremer. "She had her best match as an Outlaw thus far."

Lizzy Carhart had four big kills for the Outlaws and added five blocks. Megan Minke and Douglass both had three kills in the match.

"I am very pleased with the way our backcourt is playing," said Bremer. "They are very solid, and this is what sets the foundation for a quicker offense."