Outlaws kick off volleyball season

The Lady Outlaws competed against tough teams at the Mt. View Invitational held Thursday and Friday, August 26-27. Due to a lack of officials in Central Oregon, the tournament looked a bit different this year. Instead of pool play followed by bracket play, teams just competed in pool play, and each of those games counted.

Sisters started off with a win over Caldera in straight sets, 25-21, 25-21. They found themselves down 8-1 in the second set, but climbed back in and earned the win.

After a three-hour break, the Outlaws took on a very strong Thurston team. The girls came out flat in the first set. They couldn’t find their groove passing, struggled offensively, and lost 15-25. The second set was a different story. Sisters was ready to play, served tough, had a quick attack, and took the set 25-15. They controlled momentum in the third set, and midway through, with the score tied 12-12, starting middle Bailey Robertson went down with an ankle injury. The Outlaws lost momentum and fell 12-15.

From there the Outlaws took on a strong South Medford squad that boasts a quick offense and tough serving. Sisters headed into the battle without their starting middle, and a bit apprehensive of how the match would go. Katie Buller and Molly Meyer stepped up into the middle position and provided strong blocks and offense. Buller and Ila Reid set up an incredible block to start the first set against South Medford’s best hitter. The duo blocked her twice in a row, and forced her to hit the ball out of bounds. That fired up the Outlaws and sparked momentum. Sisters fought hard to get the 25-22, 25-20 win against the Panthers, a top 6A team in the state.

Coach Rory Rush commented on her exceptional hitters.

Rush said, “We have such talented hitters this year in all rotations. They are powerful and smart and will be an offensive threat against any team this season.”

The Outlaws were to play at home against Caldera and Crook County on Tuesday, August 30. They will play at home against Cascade Christian and Burns on Thursday, September 1.