Outlaws clinch league volleyball title

The girls volleyball team clinched the league title with home sweeps over both Elmira and La Pine last week. Sisters defeated Elmira 25-10, 25-18, 25-17 on Tuesday, October 15, and on Thursday the Outlaws took down La Pine with scores of 25-12, 25-11 and 25-5.

Sisters' serving took Elmira out of their game on Tuesday. Nila Lukens had a string of seven straight service points in the first set, which helped the Outlaws get off to a great start. The second and third sets were much tougher, but the Outlaws prevailed.

Elmira had two good hitters, Sara Kefling and Kelsey Shaw, who both gave the Outlaws some trouble. The Falcons ran a quick offense, set the ball lower, and it wasn't easy for the Outlaws' blockers to get into position.

Isabel Tara led the Outlaws with 16 kills and Nila Lukens followed with seven. Allie Spear had a great all-around game with five kills, four aces, and eight digs. Alex Hartford dished out 16 assists and Katelyn Meeter added seven.

On Thursday, the Outlaws honored their senior players, Savannah Spear and Katelyn Meeter, and JV players Sarah Dumolt, Haley Zadow, and April Lea.

Spear and Meeter are both leaders on the court and serve as team captains.

"Savannah controls the back row and has done a great job passing and on defense," said Coach Miki McFadden. "That's where the game starts, with the pass. Katelyn plays every game and is one of our setters."

Dumolt and Zadow have been with the program all four years, and both earned their varsity letter in the Outlaws' game against the La Pine Hawks. Lea is in her first year with the Outlaws volleyball program.

Sisters swept the Hawks in three very quick sets with scores of 25-12, 25-11, and 25-5.

La Pine played well the first set, dug the ball well, and went point-for-point with the Outlaws. The score was tied at 10-10, and then Sisters pulled away with some serious serves. Allie Spear served up eight straight service points and Alex Hartford served six consecutive points.

In the second set, Haylie Hudson served up five straight points to get the Outlaws started. In the third set, Allie Spear served four in a row and then McFadden subbed her out so she could get all of her players time on the court.

Allie led the Outlaws with 14 kills and four aces, followed by Isabel Tara who recorded 10 kills. Nila Lukens added seven kills on the night. There wasn't much for the Outlaws to dig, but Savannah Spear led the pack with six in the match.

Alex Hartford and Katelyn Meeter combined for 30 assists.

Sisters was to wrap up league play against Cottage Grove on Tuesday, October 22. The Outlaws will play in the first round of the state playoffs on Saturday, November 2. Their opponent is yet to be decided.

The Outlaws are 9-0 in league play and 16-4 overall.