Injuries hobble Lady Outlaws

The Lady Outlaws were within reach of victory in both their games this past week but just weren't able to seal the deal. Sisters lost by six at home against Elmira on Tuesday, January 24 in a final score of 51-45, and then three days later lost by six, 41-35, against the Hawks at La Pine.

Sisters lost their top scorer, Taylor Nieri, just before tip-off in Friday night's game at La Pine. Nieri went down with severe ankle pain and was forced to sit on the bench the entire contest. The Outlaws also played without Lauryn Chauncey, who refractured her foot in Tuesday's game against Elmira.

On Friday, the Lady Outlaws went down 14-5 in the first quarter and were only able to put two points on the scoreboard in the second period. At the half Sisters trailed La Pine 20-7.

Sisters' players settled into their new roles and played a much better third quarter. With four minutes left to go on the clock the Outlaws came to within two points of the Hawks. Fouls by Sisters put La Pine on the line and the Hawks quickly went up by six. The Outlaws ran out of time and the Hawks recorded the win.

Coach Julianne Horner said, "The loss of Lauryn (Chauncey) Tuesday night and then Taylor (Nieri) tonight rattled the team and made for a very difficult first half. I am so proud of the team effort that was played. I believe this team played the best team play, with many players contributing."

Jacobie Petterson stepped in for Nieri and played a great first quarter for the Outlaws. Sophomore Savannah Spear led the team like a seasoned veteran and was top scorer with 16 points, eight of which came in the third quarter and started the push for the Outlaws' comeback. Spear was also 6/8 from the line.

Carissa Kernutt scored seven points, including one three, and Samantha Kaiser pitched in for five.

Three days earlier the Outlaws fell 51-45 at home against Elmira.

Nieri led the Outlaws in scoring with 17 points, followed by Kaiser, who finished with 10. Carissa Kernutt recorded five points, and Lauryn Chauncey pitched in for four.

Coach Julianne Horner said, "I was very proud of how strong we came out in the first quarter. The girls really pushed the ball up the floor and made good shot selections. We just couldn't keep them off the foul line. These are tough games when offensively we were doing a good job, but defensively we put them to the foul line too many times. It really slows the game and is hard to stay in a rhythm."

Sisters will face Junction City at home on Friday, February 3. Game time is set for 5:45 p.m. The following Friday, February 10, the Lady Outlaws will travel to Cottage Grove.