Outlaws nip Huskies in hardwood marathon

The Lady Outlaws volleyball team beat Sweet Home in a tough five-game match to win their league opener. Sisters dug deep to win with scores of 22-25, 25-12, 25-23, 20-25 and 15-11.

The Huskies, who are new to the Sky-Em League, proved to be tough competitipon for the Lady Outlaws. The match was played at Sweet Home, and their fans were fired up. Sisters' frosh and JV teams were on their feet most of the match, with loud shouts and cheers of encouragement for the varsity players.

Sisters dropped their first game to a very aggressive opponent and came back with a decisive win in game two, due in part to Kristina Sparling, who was on fire from the right side.

"We changed up our offense and Kristina executed very well and was lethal hitting the right back corner of their court," said Coach Diane Bremer.

The Outlaws held on to take game three, but with a much closer margin. The Huskies battled back to take game four and the match went to the fifth and final game.

In game five, the Huskies began to break down and struggled receiving the serve. The Outlaws were ready to capitalize on Sweet Home's less effective attacks.

Bremer told The Nugget that the entire team contributed to the win and they all did a great job of keeping their composure.

Bremer made special note of Sydney Stoneback's performance.

"Sydney was phenomenal in the back court," stated Bremer. "Syd is so focused and determined. There were times when she was keeping us alive defensively as we were struggling at the net."

Stoneback led the Outlaws with 30 digs, followed by Marissa Calavan who finished with 15. Chelsea Reifschneider logged 14 digs, and Kristina Johns added 12.

Megan Minke was the Outlaws' kill leader on the night with 18 kills and two blocks. Kristina Sparling had seven kills and Samantha Williamson and Lizzy Carhart each recorded

four.

Kaity Douglass dished out 42 assists, led the team with three blocks and was perfect from the service line.

The Outlaws were to play at home against La Pine on Wednesday, September 29.