Outlaws are crowned state champions

The girls volleyball team steamrolled over their opponents to claim top honors at the 4A state tournament held in Forest Grove on Friday and Saturday, November 4-5.

Hawley Harrer was a dominant force in the Outlaws 25-19, 25-18, 25-16 sweep over the Hornets in the quarterfinals on Friday. The Hornets played hard, but were no match for the Outlaws, who were never in trouble. Everyone on the team got time on the court, and they all played well.

Sisters went on to defeat Banks in the semifinals with scores of 25-15, 23-25, 25-10 and 25-17. The

No. 3-ranked Braves, who'd beat top-ranked Valley Catholic twice, were a much tougher opponent.

Sisters rose to the occasion and claimed a win in the first set. In the second set, the Outlaws got themselves into trouble when they committed 14 unforced errors. After that, Sisters stepped it up and did what they needed to do to close out the match.

Harrer lit up the court with her exceptional play. Hawley pounded the ball so hard the Braves were unable to return it. The passers picked up their game and gave the middle players more opportunities to hit. Setter Alex Hartford led the offense and made outstanding sets to the hitters. Coach Rod Jones told The Nugget that everybody played well.

Sisters faced Crook County (CC) in the championship match on Saturday night, and defeated the Cowboys 25-17, 22-25, 25-20, 25-21, to win it all.

The Outlaws took the first set, but had trouble again in the second set. Jones told The Nugget that the Outlaws were up 16-11 and just quit executing to the degree they needed to, and fell apart.

"Crook County continued to play great and we let it go," said Jones.

Sisters took the third set and in the fourth set jumped out with a big 15-5 lead. CC dug deep and crept back in. Every point consisted of long, long rallies and excellent play from both teams. The Outlaws did what they needed to do and pulled off the 25-21 win to take the match.

"We got tough late," said Jones. "We just kept trying to get the side-out and push and just finish. The whole match was very tense, very exciting, competitive, and nothing but gold.

"It was phenomenal volleyball on both sides, with two teams that did not quit," said Jones. "I was in heaven watching it. They all gave everything they had. It was everything you'd want out of two competitors. The girls finished strong and figured out how to play as one. From where they began and the challenges they had - for them to come together at the end is what's so gratifying."

Senior Alex Hartford said, "We really worked together during the whole tournament, and especially in the finals to accomplish our goals. For myself, being my last game in high school, I wouldn't have wanted to play with any other team, and I'm so glad that we finished so strong and took the gold. Where we go one, we go all."

Harrer commented, "Winning the state title was fulfilling because we all knew it wasn't going to be easy playing Crook County. I think a lot of us from last year had a lot of fight and determination to get first, after being runner-up the year before. We all came together and fought for this like no other. We went through adversity with half our team being sick, and overcame that. We had our doubts, but we had faith we could win, and we did!"

Kendra Sitz, who has had to sit out due to injury, said, "Even though I was watching from the sidelines, it was great to see our team come together, and play their hearts out after overcoming some obstacles over the weekend."

Harrer was chosen by Moda Health as the MVP for Sisters in the final match. Harrer was also a first-team all-tournament selection.

Jones said, "Hawley was the most dominant player at the state tournament, and that says it all."

Jessie Brigham was also a first-team pick.

"Jessie was flying all over the place," said Jones. "She was a fearless, dynamic player and thought every ball was hers."

Ashlynn Cantwell earned second-team honors.

"Ashlynn had an excellent state tournament, and had a great offensive match in the finals," said Jones. "She served tough and played great defense."