Outlaws VB sets sights on State

The Lady Outlaws volleyball team continued to dominate league play last, week and proved why they’re at the top of the pack. Sisters recorded a sweep on the road over Siuslaw on Monday, October 18, and two days later swept the Hawks at La Pine.

On Monday the Outlaws took the long, windy trek to Florence to take on the Lady Vikings of Siuslaw. Sisters came out composed and focused in a match that Coach Rory Rush wanted the girls to treat as a state playoff game.

Rush said, “With State right around the corner, we have been preaching emotional composure throughout an entire match. I was very proud of the girls to see their focus tonight through the natural ups and downs of a match. They have shown a lot of growth emotionally as a team.”

The Outlaws’ composure was evident from the first serve. Siuslaw started the game with a raucous crowd, and the Lady Outlaws were unfazed. Middle blocker Bailey Robertson led the squad with some spectacular blocks and very aggressive hits, and Sisters sailed to an early first-set win.

Rush told The Nugget she felt that as the game went on the Outlaws hitting and blocking along the front line just got stronger and stronger.

In addition to strong blocks and hits, libero Mia Monaghan passed the ball from the back row with pinpoint accuracy.

“The girls seemed to get their hands on every ball over the net, which made for a quick-strike offense,” said Rush.

When the final ball fell to the floor, the Outlaws celebrated their three-set win that ended with scores of 25-14, 25-17, and 25-13.

Two days later, the Outlaws headed to La Pine to finish up their conference play with a match against the Lady Hawks. Sisters quickly showed why they are the No. 1-ranked team in the state with their fast-paced offense, which was highlighted by a slightly changed lineup.

Rush said, “As we approach the state tournament I want to continue to build our team depth. We wanted to tweak our lineup tonight to give some girls an opportunity to shine in new positions on the floor. I was incredibly proud of how they adjusted and played loose tonight.”

The lineup changes most evident were sophomore Kathryn Scholl, who moved from right side to outside hitter, and junior Gracie Vohs, who shifted from outside hitter to middle blocker for the match.

“The change created some unique looks for us,” said Rush. “I thought both Kathryn and Gracie played extremely well tonight on the front line with their

attacks.”

With the two dominant victories with scores of 25-11 and 25-10, the Lady Outlaws headed into the third set and looked to finish out their conference schedule with a solid win. Junior outside hitter Gracelyn Myhre went back to serve, and with her multiple aces and intimidating spot serves, she rattled off 12 straight points for the Outlaws. They coasted from there to a 25-13 win.