Lady Outlaws dethroned as league volleyball champs

The Lady Outlaws have dominated league play and have claimed the league title for the past nine years. This year the giant fell as league foe Sweet Home unseated the Outlaws and claimed the league title - a feat they haven't been able to accomplish since 1998.

Sisters lost to the Huskies earlier in the season and on Monday, October 22, the top two teams in the league matched up for their final battle of the season. If the Outlaws could post the win, both squads would finish as co-League champs. Unfortunately, that was not the case, and after a brutal five-set match, the Outlaws fell short with a devastating 23-25, 25-22, 25-22, 23-25, and 13-15 loss.

In the first set, Sisters jumped out quick, played with confidence and took a seven point lead. The lead slowly slipped away behind tough serves from the Huskies, and the Outlaws took the loss.

The Outlaws regrouped and came out strong in the second and third sets, and won both sets by a three-point spread. Sisters went up 2-1 and went into the fourth set ready to put away the tough Sweet Home squad. The Outlaws battled for a win, and the Huskies played hard with hopes of forcing the Outlaws to a fifth set. Toward the end, Sweet Home mishandled the ball, and the Outlaws came to within one point, 23-24. Kendra Sitz stepped back to the service line with high hopes of tying up the contest, but the Huskies got a good pass, set, and kill to finish the game and forced a fifth set.

Again, the Outlaws got an early 4-1 lead, and Sweet Home immediately called a time-out. The Huskies responded and soon the game was tied 7-7. Sisters committed some untimely unforced errors and the Outlaws found themselves behind 7-11. Sitz went back to the line and served the Outlaws back into the game and tied it up at 11. The game went back and forth, point for point, with both teams giving it their all and battling for the win. Sadly for the Outlaws, the Huskies finished on top 15-13, posted the win, and claimed the Oregon West Conference title.

Freshman Greta Davis, who has been an impact player for the Outlaws at the middle position all year long, said, "We were playing timid, and weren't confident like we usually are. We were very evenly matched and knew it would be close, and we were all disappointed with the loss. But, we're looking ahead, and will focus all our energy into preparing for the playoffs. We're hoping for a win that will advance us to the state tournament."

Coach Rory Rush said, "Sweet Home has great fans, and their gym is not only packed, but loud, and playing there is always difficult. I am very proud of the way we played tonight. We came to compete and did just that. It was a close match from start to finish. We had a few more unforced errors than we would have liked, but overall it was a great game. We know there are a few things we can work on to clean up our game and ready us for the next two weeks as we head into playoffs."

The Lady Outlaws were to play a match at Hood River on Monday, October 22, in preparation for the playoffs.