Outlaws crowned league champs

The Lady Outlaws wrapped up league with a sweep at home against Cottage Grove on Tuesday, October 20, and claimed the league title for the seventh consecutive year. The Lions came into the game needing a win in order to prevent a second-place tiebreaker with Sutherlin, but Sisters was on fire, and easily won in three quick sets.

Sisters honored their two seniors, Allie Spear and Peytan Zanck, both of whom are captains, leaders, and role models for the entire program.

Sisters defeated the Lions with scores of 25-6, 25-19, and 25-8. The Outlaws saw a lot of play from everyone on the team, and the entire squad contributed in the win.

The Outlaws played without Alex Hartford, one of their main setters. Hartford sat out the match to rest a bruised hand, and Cassidy Ling-Scott stepped in and did a great job.

"It's hard for a new setter to step in and pick up the tempo of the team, but Cassidy held her own on the court, and contributed some great sets," said Coach Jason Myhre. "I'm proud of Alex, who really wanted to be out there on the court, but did a great job mentoring Cassidy in her setting for the game.

"Our second set was a little off, as we got some subs in the game, and we needed to buckle down and get back in our groove," said Myhre. "I'm very proud of the girls and the way they handled themselves on the court and playing in new positions."

Again, the Outlaws' serving was very strong, and kept the Lions on their heels most of the match.

Ashlynn Cantwell did a great job at the service line and went 15/16 with four aces. Ling-Scott went 15/17 with three aces, Allie Spear went 10/11 with two aces, and Hawley Harrer went 11/13. Jessie Brigham went a perfect seven-for-seven with one ace. Peytan Zanck rounded out the serving, going four-for-five with one ace.

Spear, Harrer, and Zanck combined evenly for a total of 21 kills. Brigham had 15 digs in the match, and Spear added seven. Harrer had 15 assists in the match, and Ling-Scott pitched in for eight.

The Outlaws wrapped up league play with a perfect 10-0 record, and grabbed the league title, but Myhre told The Nugget that they've always had their sights set far beyond league.

"The team and the coaches are excited about winning another league title, but it really didn't come across to anyone when we did it," said Myhre. "The team has set their eyes on another state title as their goal, and so we have been focused more on that. It is always a great accomplishment, and with respect to our league, we are honored to be playing against some great competitors. There is great sportsmanship all around our league, and we feel obliged to represent our league the best we can."

The Outlaws were to travel to Eugene on Tuesday, October 27, to take on the No. 1-ranked 5A Marist Spartans, in a match designed to prepare them for playoffs.