Varsity softball off to 2-1 start

The Sisters High School (SHS) varsity softball team is off to a good start in preparing for the start of Sky-Em League play on April 1, when the Outlaws host Cottage Grove.

The Outlaws opened the season with a 7-6 loss to Madras, but rebounded with a pair of wins over Bend schools.

Behind the pitching of senior Cassidy Edwards, SHS defeated Summit, 7-2. They then got timely hitting from senior Taylor Nieri in a come-from-behind win over Mountain View, 9-8.

SHS Coach Ben Miller said the 2-1 varsity is "coming along well. I have high hopes and expectations for the season."

The Outlaws figure to be one of the Sky-Em's top teams, along with Junction City (4-0), Sweet Home (4-1) and Elmira (3-3). In the latest Oregon Schools Activities Association Poll, Junction City is ranked No. 3 behind No. 1 Molalla and No. 2 Madras. Sweet Home is rated No. 16 and the Outlaws come in at No. 25. There are 41 teams in Oregon's 4A division.

The Outlaws competed in the Central Oregon Tournament on March 25-26 before taking a few days off prior to the start of Sky-Em League play against Cottage Grove.

Miller noted that hopes for both varsity and junior varsity teams might not materialize, as numbers are not as hoped.

"We have been back and forth on filling a JV team, but it is looking like I am not going to fill a JV team and will have to make some cuts," said Miller. "I really thought we might pull it off, but its not looking good now."

As of March 21, Miller said his varsity consisted of: Cassidy Edwards (senior pitcher); Taylor Nieri (senior infielder/outfielder); Harley Rowe (senior infielder); Tiffani Milliman (senior infielder); Lauran Cantwell (senior infielder/catcher); Ashley Smith (sophomore infielder); Maddie Edwards (freshman infielder/catcher); Boston Moore (sophomore outfielder); Alexis Ogilvie (freshman outfielder); and Chawnie Craig (sophomore outfielder/utility).