The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The Sisters girls volleyball team won both matches last week to improve its league record to 3-1 -- 9-7 overall.

The Lady Outlaws visited Sweet Home on Tuesday, October 1, and defeated the Huskies in four games, 25-18, 23-25, 25-23, 25-16.

Bethany Benhower turned in a stellar performance with nine kills and four aces. In addition, she was 19 of 22 from the service line.

Coach Chris Crosby liked what he saw in the Outlaws' performance.

"We've been improving every day," he said. "We've been working on some things, and now we're applying them in games and playing at the level that we envision."

The Outlaws then hosted North Marion on Thursday, October 3, and came out strong and fired up, winning the first game by the impressive score of 25-9.

"We played almost flawless volleyball. To hold a team in single digits with the new scoring system is unusual," Crosby said. "Serve tough, execute, and transition -- put all of them together, and it's a tough combination."

Sisters took the second game by a 25-19 score. North Marion made some adjustments and won the third contest, 25-23, before the Outlaws ended things with a 25-21 victory.

"The scores were closer than it really was," said Crosby.

Outstanding individual performances came from the underclass. Sophomore MacKenzie McClain had seven kills, three digs and was 11 of 12 from the service line. She led the team on defense with 18 digs.

Junior Ashley Sweeney had eight kills and was 17 for 17 serving.

"Her serve made the other side really uncomfortable," the coach said. "We are cutting down on our mistakes. As our young kids get better, they will mix with our veterans, and it will be a good combination."

In a busy week of travel, the Outlaws were to visit Stayton on Monday, October 7, Mollala on Wednesday, October 9, and then go to the Seaside Tournament on Saturday, October 12.