Outlaws volleyball returns seven veteran players

The Sisters volleyball program returns seven experienced varsity players, and adds only two new additions to their squad to start off the season.

Seniors Nila Lukens and Brenna Weems return as four-year varsity players.

Lukens has played at middle for the past three years, but this year will also see some time at outside hitter. Lukens, at just five-feet-eight-inches, has always had an extraordinary vertical jump, but this summer increased it even more: from 29 inches to 32 inches. She will be a valuable player at the net, both blocking and hitting. Last season, Nila played front row, but has a great serve and this year will be a more all-around player.

Weems helped the Outlaws out at right-side last year. She is a strong blocker and will see some time at that position again this year.

Spear is back for her third year on varsity, and will play at outside-hitter. She is one of the Outlaws' strongest all-around players, plays great defense, and will be one of the team's primary passers.

"Allie is so athletic," said Coach Miki McFadden. "She has a tough serve, can mix up her shots, and she can really pass, which starts our offense every play."

Isabelle Tara is also a third-year player, and has been one of the Outlaws' main outside-hitters. She suffered a shoulder injury in April, just finished her physical therapy, and is taking it slow as she eases back into the game. She will play some right side and some outside this year.

"Isabelle can start swinging at the ball this next week," said McFadden. "She swings hard, and I'm going to have to hold her back a little bit."

Peytan Zanck (junior) is a second-year player who will again play at the right side. She is five-feet-11-inches tall and puts up a good block on the right side.

"Peytan's height is definitely an advantage for us for the right side," stated McFadden. "That's usually where the other team's best hitter plays, and she'll be there to block. She can also hit the ball well from that side."

Sophomores Alex Hartfort and Brooke Knirk round out the returning veteran players.

Hartford returns as a second-year setter for the Outlaws. Alex will be the Outlaws' primary setter, and puts up a nice, consistent, hittable ball. She also has a tough serve, and passes the ball well.

Knirk is back for her second year on varsity, and is a very good blocker. Brooke reads the hitter, and the hit that comes from the other side. McFadden told The Nugget that Brooke's hitting has improved, and she is hitting some nice angles out of the middle.

Freshmen Jessie Brigham and Hawley Harrer are the team's new additions.

Brigham will be one the Outlaws' main passers. Jessie reads the ball well, has great ball control, and a tough serve.

Harrer is a six-foot-two-inch, left-handed setter that the Outlaws are excited to have on board.

"As a left-handed setter, Hawley gives us a big advantage, because she will be able to hit or set," said McFadden. "She has very strong hands, and will put up a big block."

McFadden said, "My biggest challenge will be to get the girls to work as a team, and figure out what combination of players will give us the most strength. We hope to repeat as league champs this year. I'm confident that this team has the ability to go deep into the playoffs."