Volleyball eyes another state berth

Sisters Lady Outlaws return six players from last year’s squad that made it to the State Championship game. They came up just short of their goal last year, but are determined to put in the work needed to make another State appearance, and hopefully compete for the big prize.

The six experienced, veteran players include seniors Hannah Fendall and Anna Landon, and juniors Gracie Vohs, Gracelyn Myhre, Bailey Robertson, and Mia Monaghan. These girls are very motivated after coming up short the past two years.

Coach Rory Rush said, “They are hungry to get back to the state playoffs again this year and are willing to do the work day in and day out, to ensure they are taking steps to get closer to their goal, while also building consistent chemistry with the newcomers to the varsity team.”

Fendall will run the offense as the Outlaws’ setter. She’s a floor leader and has a great understanding of the game. She knows the offense well as she has been in the program for four years. Rush said that Fendall’s hard work and hustle set the tone for the rest of the team.

Landon will play as a setter and also a defensive specialist. She’s a hardworking player with grit and determination.

“While Anna has a quiet disposition, on the floor she is all about hard work and doing whatever the team needs,” said Rush. “She is a fantastic team player.”

Vohs returns as a powerful hitter and an aggressive blocker. Her presence at the net will give the Outlaws a definite advantage over their opponents. She will be a force to be reckoned with when she is on the floor.

Myhre has great court sense and will be another powerful weapon as an outside hitter in the Outlaws’ balanced offense. Rush noted that Myhre is “a powerful and a very cerebral player.”

Robertson is poised and ready to be an aggressive blocker and an explosive hitter for the Lady Outlaws.

Monaghan rounds out the returning players and will play libero (a defense specialist position). She passes the ball with determination and leads by example. She will be the anchor of the back row defense and will provide calm leadership that is needed in the Outlaws’ serve receive and overall defense. Rush told The Nugget that Monaghan has a great court sense and can read and react to the ball and will be a key part of their system.

Seven new players will join the team this year, including senior Adrienne Steffens, juniors Katie Buller and Ila Reid, and sophomores Holly Davis, Molly Meyer, Jordan Monaghan, and Kathryn Scholl.

Steffens returns to the Outlaws after sitting out the last couple of years due to injury. She will play as a defensive specialist, and coaches are excited she’s back. She will bring athleticism and energy to the floor, and will provide strong passing. Buller will see time in the middle and will bring hustle and energy to that position. She worked hard in the off-season to increase her quickness and will be a blocking threat to opponents. Reid brings athleticism and a big, strong block to the right side for the Outlaws, and coaches are excited to have her creativity and energy on the court.

Davis worked hard to gain the knowledge and technique as setter during the offseason, and will see time on the court at that position. She will also play as a defensive specialist. Davis has quick feet and the ability to see the floor, and will be a great addition to the Outlaws’ multiple-attack offense.

Myers is a transfer from Ridgeview, and will play at middle and outside hitter. Molly will provide offense, blocking, and strength needed in the middle.

Jordan Monaghan is working hard to establish herself as one of the team’s best passers. She has the ability to read the ball well and can anticipate the other team. Her quickness and instincts will be a great addition to the Outlaws’ back-row defense.

Scholl is going to be a dynamic threat on offense as a right side hitter and she’ll also provide a big block on defense. She will also see time as setter.

Rush said, “With her height and passion for the game and her ability to read the floor she will be a wonderful addition to our team.”

Rush shared her thoughts on the volleyball program and the upcoming season.

“We have a strong tradition of excellence in our Sisters High School volleyball program,” said Rush. “Every player and coach in this program takes great pride in continuing on in that tradition each and every year. Carrying on the legacy that many great players and coaches created many years ago is an honor.”

“With Sisters moving to a new state classification and league this season it brings with it new challenges and competition for us,” added Rush. “We are excited to be part of the 3A Mountain Valley League, and playing new teams and creating new rivalries will be a fun test and adventure for us this season.”

The Lady Outlaws will face some very tough competition and talented teams from the get-go. They’ll start preseason with a home tri-match on Tuesday, August 30 and will play Burns, the state champions from last year, and Cascade Christian, another State-qualifying team.