Outlaws earn championship honors

The annual Sisters Invitational Volleyball Tournament has become one of the top tournaments in the state at the 4A level, and this year grew to a 20-team tourney. Teams traveled from all over the state to attend the event, and included thirteen of the top 20 teams in the state.

The Lady Outlaws played at the top of their game, and at the end of the day earned top honors for the tourney.

Sisters didn’t drop one set the entire day, and defeated league foe Philomath in the championship match.

Sisters cruised through pool play with wins over North Valley, Estacada and Siuslaw. They finished as the 2nd seed team, losing out on the No. 1 seed to Philomath by just one point.

In the first round of bracket play, the Outlaws took on Hidden Valley, the team they defeated in the first round of the state playoffs last year. Sisters never trailed in the match and defeated the Mustangs 25-16, 25-13.

After their quarterfinal win, the Outlaws faced a tough Cottage Grove squad, who finished second at the state tourney last year. Sisters played strong at the net and had eight blocks, which shut down the Lions offense. The Outlaws’ tough serves kept the Lions from finding any sort of offensive rhythm and Sisters won the semi-final, 25-15, 25-16.

In the championship game, Sisters found themselves up against Philomath, a league foe they had just swept on the road two days earlier. The Outlaws hit the floor with confidence, poise, and team chemistry, and were ready to prove they were the better team. Sisters jumped to a quick lead and never trailed in the match. Greta Davis’ 11 kills and Sophie Silva’s 10 provided strong offense and net play in the 25-19, 25-13 win that shut down the Warriors.

Coach Rory Rush said, “The Outlaws have continued to get better with each match played. This weekend we had great team chemistry and played well as a team. We are learning to put all the pieces together and realize we are stronger when we do. There was amazing defense, amazing offense, and some tough serving this weekend.”

Davis led the Outlaws with 59 kills. Greta also had four blocks, and three aces. Sophie Silva recorded 39 kills, 13 blocks, and three aces, and sister Sam posted 24 kills, one block and nine aces. Addy Myhre tallied 14 kills, five blocks, and 10 aces, and setter Ellie Rush dished out 140 assists, and recorded six kills and nine aces.

Rush added, “We’re looking forward to playing Sweet Home at Sweet Home this Thursday (September 26) as the two undefeated teams match up for the first time this season.”