News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
The Outlaws swept both Bend and Summit in volleyball action last week. Sisters defeated Bend 25-19, 25-10, and 25-22 on Tuesday, September 9, and two days later beat Summit in three, with scores of 25-20, 25-23, and 25-18.
On Tuesday, the Outlaws and the Lava Bears played a very tough match, filled with long, hard-fought rallies. Both teams were at the top of their game on both offense and defense.
The Outlaws did an outstanding job at the net, especially in the first two sets.
Bend held a three- or four-point lead for most of the third set. Late in the set, with the Lava Bears on top 21-20, Sisters picked up a lot of hard-hit balls, blocked tenaciously at the net, and pulled ahead to earn the win.
Sisters' hitters were impressive. The Outlaws were able to hit from the left, middle, and right side with power that resulted in points.
Nila Lukens was Sisters' kill leader with 13. Lukens also tallied five aces in the match.
Brooke Knirk made a solid showing in the middle, with seven kills and six blocks on the night.
Hawley Harrer did a great job at setter and at the net. Harrer finished the match with 21 assists and eight kills. Alex Hartford added 15 assists.
Allie Spear led the Outlaws on defense with 12 digs, and also had three aces in the match. Jessie Brigham tallied 11 digs.
Two days later, the Outlaws recorded a sweep over the Storm.
Sisters struggled with their serves in the first set. The Outlaws served eight balls out, and gave the Storm eight easy points. Sisters was able to settle down, focus, and get the win.
In the third set, Allie Spear, went down with a sprained ankle, and wasn't able to return to the match.
"Allie came down off a hit, and a girl came under the net and stepped on her foot," said Coach Miki McFadden. "She went to step away, but her foot was trapped ,and it turned. It's a really bad sprain, and we're not sure how long she will be out."
Sisters' steady play was key to wins in the last two sets.
Harrer tallied 17 assists and eight kills. Brenna Weems, at middle, recorded seven blocks for points.
"Brenna's form was good," said McFadden. "She tracked hitters, and balls, for huge blocks."
Knirk also had a good performance at middle blocker. Brooke recorded six kills, and put up blocks at critical times in the match.
Spear posted five kills and five aces before going down in the third set.
Lukens finished with eight kills and four digs. Hartford dished out 13 assists. Brigham had five digs, and helped out with good serves at critical moments.
"We really did a poor job serving tonight, but were able to still pull it out," said McFadden. "What I really like about our team is even when we get into trouble, we come back and focus, and support each other, which has gotten us wins in close games."
The Outlaws will play at home against Elmira on Thursday, September 18. On Saturday, September 20, the Outlaws will host the annual Sisters Volleyball Invitational.
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