Lady Outlaws close out league play

Sisters' volleyball squad beat Junction City 25-15, 25-11, 25-23, at home on Monday, October 17, to close out league play and finish the season undefeated with a 10-0 record. Prior to the match, the Outlaws honored seniors Alex Hartford, Emma Houck, Brooke Knirk, Bailey Colindres and Emily Scalda.

The Outlaws started off strong in the first set and took a quick 9-3 lead. Junction City battled back to within three a few times but couldn't catch the Outlaws. Jessie Brigham served up three nice balls, capped by an ace, to seal the first-set win.

Brigham came off the court after the first set due to nagging Achilles-tendon problems, and in the ensuing two sets the Outlaws missed her poise and passing skills. Coach Rod Jones told The Nugget he wanted to let Brigham's injury heal, and save her for the upcoming playoffs.

In the second set, Hartford reeled off seven great serves to get the Outlaws started. Sophomore Sydney Head stepped in as libero and freshman Samantha Silva got some good minutes on the court in the second-set victory.

The third set found the Outlaws struggling with their serves, serve-receive, and getting timely hits. JC kept at it, and before Sisters knew what hit them the score was even at 8-8. The Tigers tacked on two more points and took a 10-8 lead, their first lead in the match.

JC let Sisters tie it up a few times, but the Outlaws didn't get the lead back until late in the set. Sydney Head had five great serves, including two aces, which put the Outlaws on top 22-21. After even scores of 22-22, and 23-23, Harrer stepped up to the service-line and closed out the match with a 25-23 third-set victory.

Coach Rod Jones noted freshman Samantha Silva and stated she "served the heck out of serve-receive."

Brooke Knirk said, "Tonight wasn't our best game. We were all over the place and played up and down. But, we're excited and looking forward to state."

Emma Houck commented, "We're all excited about going to state and getting some good competition in. We always play up against tougher teams. We do need to work on our serve-receive and passing, and we need to keep our energy up."

Sisters will continue to practice and prepare for the state playoffs, which are scheduled for the first weekend in November.