Outlaws break out the broom on league opponents

The girls volleyball squad continued to roll over league opponents this past week with two more three-set sweeps. Sisters beat Philomath on the road with scores of 25-22, 25-17, and 36-34 on Monday, October 8, and at home two days later they clipped the Eagles 25-7, 25-14, 25-17.

Tuesday's action against Philomath (6-4 in league) was a tough-fought battle, and the Outlaws knew it would be an intense match. The Warriors are well-coached, and their only losses in league have been to Sisters and Sweet Home.

In the first set, the Warriors came out ready to play, and the lead changed several times before Sisters went ahead behind great serves from Sam Silva. Silva gave the Outlaws a three-point lead and Philomath wasn't able catch back up. The close game took a little steam out of the Warriors' sails.

Sisters came out firing on all cylinders in the second set, and Philomath came out of the gate a bit slow. The Outlaws quickly jumped to a 12-2 lead, and held the lead the entire way. The Warriors were able to slowly chip away at the Outlaws' large point spread, which gave them some momentum for the third set.

The third set started just the opposite from the second, with Philomath starting off strong and the Outlaws sluggish. The Warriors went up 23-18 before they finally missed their serve. Sam Silva stepped up to the service line for the Outlaws and tied it up 23-23. Sisters went on to side-out and Philomath went up 23-24. The Warriors missed their serve and evened it up once again 24-24. The Outlaws got a kill by Kendra Sitz to go ahead 25-24.

Neither team was able to finish, and the score kept going back and forth. Sisters would be at game point 10 more times before they finally put the game away 36-34.

Kendra Sitz led the team with 21 kills and two blocks. Sam and Sophie Silva both contributed nine kills and one block. Greta Davis added six kills and three blocks, and Ellie Rush dished out 43 assists and had three aces in the match.

Coach Rory Rush said, "Tonight we walked into the gym and underestimated Philomath. They came out ready to make a statement and although we won, we could have played better. We need to play our game from start to finish, not just when it matters. I am very proud of how hard the girls worked in set three to stay focused, play with intensity, and walk away with the win."

On Wednesday, the Lady Outlaws honored their two seniors, Kendra Sitz and Sydney Head. Sitz and Head are both four-year varsity players and have been captains this year. Kendra leads the offense with 211 kills so far this season. Sydney leads the team with 162 digs.

Rush said, "Kendra has been a team leader this season, and has brought enthusiasm and balance to our young team. Sydney has been an anchor for us in the back row, has provided leadership, and is always a calming presence on the floor.

"These two ladies have been part of the success the Outlaws have seen over the past years. They have dealt with coaching turnover and turmoil, but maintained consistency throughout it all. We are so thankful for these two young ladies, and look forward to finishing this season strong with them leading the way," added Rush.

The match got underway, and the Lady Outlaws took an early lead. Ellie Rush and Sam Silva's stellar serves got Sisters a quick 12 points, and the squad went on to win by 18. Stayton was never able to find their offensive groove as Sisters' serving was just too much to handle.

Sisters rallied behind great serves and tough defense to close out the Eagles in three fast-paced sets. The Outlaws finished the night with 11 aces and 37 kills.

Sitz finished the match with 14 kills, 12 digs and one ace. Head contributed 20 digs, and Sam Silva recorded seven kills, 15 digs, and three aces. Rush dished out 33 assists and had two aces on the night.

The Outlaws were to play at Sweet Home on Monday, October 15.