Girls lacrosse battles bigger, stronger teams

The girls lacrosse team faced three tough teams this past week, with a game against Marist on Friday, April 20, and then games against South and West Salem on Saturday.

On Friday, the Outlaws lost 16-6 to Marist. At the half, Marist was on top 7-4. In the second half, the sun proved to be a big problem for Sisters' goalie Nikki Olson.

"Nikki was facing the setting sun, and Marist scored four goals on fouls that Nikki couldn't see," said Coach Michele Hammer.

The Spartans took complete control in the second half. Sisters' defense was ineffective and Marist scored eight goals in the first 12 minutes of the half. The Outlaws' defense recovered toward the end and held Marist to just one goal the last 13 minutes of the game.

Maison Morgan scored four goals for the Outlaws, and Harley Bowler scored two.

Hammer stated that freshmen Langley Vogt, Olivia Narro and Breanna Perry played strong at the midfield position.

Sisters' matchup against South Salem (SS) on Saturday was very competitive. The Outlaws were up by one at the half but SS came back strong. In the second half the Saxons' defense held Sisters to just one goal, made by center Jordyn Clymens. South Salem scored two more goals to win the game in a final score of 9-7.

Morgan led the Lady Outlaws with three goals. Corie Rodgers, Tiffany Cormalis and Sierra Slaughter all had strong defensive performances.

After a 45-minute break the Outlaws were back on the field in a game against West Salem. Sisters' defense was not able to stop the Panthers offensive attack, and the Outlaws lost the contest 11-4.

Morgan and Bowler each scored two goals for Sisters.

Hammer told The Nugget she felt her girls played their best lacrosse of the season over the weekend.

"They are beginning to function as a team," said Hammer. "As we continue to build on our defensive skills we will be a force next season in the South League. We played all three games in less than 18 hours with only 12 players and no subs against teams that were twice as large and able to continually sub in rested players. I am very proud of the team as they have refused to give up knowing that we are playing much larger teams with more experience. They have made the commitment to finish out the season strong even though our team is the smallest in the state playing at the varsity level."

Sisters will play at home on Saturday, April 28, against South Eugene (10 a.m.) and Bend United (3 p.m.) and wrap up their season with a game against Crescent Valley on Tuesday, May 1, on Crescent's field.