Lady Outlaws ready to open league

The Sisters High School softball team will take to the field for the first time in more than two weeks when they play a trio of Sky-Em League games this week.

With a lingering winter and a two-week spring break filled with cultural travel opportunities, the Lady Outlaws last played March 17 when they lost to Mountain View of Bend, 14-2. On March 19, the Outlaws' scheduled non-conference doubleheader with Bend was postponed due to unplayable field conditions.

The locals postponed their Sky-Em openers of March 29 (at Elmira) and April 1 (Junction City) to April 4 (Elmira) and April 19 (Junction City as part of a doubleheader).

In addition to opening at Elmira, the Outlaws were scheduled to play Sweet Home April 5, weather permitting. They will travel to La Pine April 8, then host Cottage Grove April 12.

First pitch for Sky-Em League games is 4:30 p.m.

Facing Elmira and Sweet Home to open the Sky-Em will be no easy challenge for the Outlaws, delays or not. The Falcons and Huskies figure to be the Outlaws' stiffest league opponents this season. Both teams return nearly their entire starting lineups for 2010 squads that reached the State 4A playoffs.

Elmira is 1-2 on the season and lost to Sweet Home 2-1, but they beat a good Sutherlin team 2-1 and with all-league pitcher Allison Boytz, they will be competitive any time she's on the mound.

Sweet Home is 2-1 on the season and 2-0 in league after wins over Elmira and La Pine (13-0).

Junction City has a 7-6 Sky-Em win over Cottage Grove (0-2) and is 2-1 overall.

La Pine is 1-7 with a 13-0 Sky-Em League win over Cottage Grove.

The Outlaws are led by senior Amber Milliman. She was first team All-State last season and is coach Jim Milliman's daughter.