Serving key to Outlaws playoff win

The Lady Outlaws were spot-on with their serves, which was key in their three-set sweep at home over Marist in the first round of the state playoffs on Saturday, October 25.

Final scores were 25-16, 25-15, and 25-17. The win punched Sisters' ticket to the State Tournament, which will be held in Forest Grove Friday and Saturday, November 2-3. The Outlaws' first match will be against Hidden Valley on Friday at 1:15 p.m.

The first set against the Spartans was close until senior Kendra Sitz stepped back to the service line. Sitz went on a four-point serving run, which put the Outlaws on top 12-6. Sisters held onto the lead and Addy Myhre closed the game with a six-point serving run to give the squad the first-set victory.

In the second set, Marist started out in front, and halfway through the set held an 11-8 lead. Ellie Rush went back and served four straight points to give the Outlaws the edge. Again, Sisters held onto the lead for the remainder of the game. A four-point serving run by Sophie Silva, followed by a five-point run by Myhre closed out the set.

Serving clinched the match for the Outlaws in set three. Coach Rory Rush told The Nugget that the team knew that serve-receive was where the Spartans were weak, and the Outlaws did a great job of executing their game plan, which was serving

tough.

"Tonight was a total team effort with everyone contributing to the win," said Rush. "The team played relaxed and had a lot of team chemistry on the floor. We are excited to be heading back to the State Tournament for the 12th straight year."

Sitz agreed with her coach that the win was a team effort.

"The win didn't come because of just six players on the court," said Sitz. "We were a team. We had a great week of practice and it really showed today. We all wanted it, and tonight we went out and showed that. As we go forward, we just need to make sure our mental game is as strong as ever."