The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The Lady Outlaws had six of their players earn all-league honors. Senior Sam Silva, junior Ellie Rush, and sophomore Greta Davis were all first-team picks. Sophie Silva (junior) was a second-team selection, and senior Addy Myhre and sophomore Sydney Myhre were honorable-mention.

Sam Silva was recognized at outside hitter and was a force for the Outlaws on offense. Sam recorded 145 kills, 10 blocks, 195 digs, 38 aces, and eight assists. Sam was a four-year starter and in those four years has earned two first-place state finishes, one third-place finish, and this year fourth place.

“Sam has set herself apart as a top all-around player in the state,” said Coach Rory Rush. “She has amazing court awareness, is a smart hitter, but also powerful and effective on the outside. She established herself as the anchor of our back row. She has the ability to read hitters, and her quick reaction time allows for very few balls to get past her. Her serving has frustrated many teams this year with her ball placement, which earned her 38 aces. She never left anything on the court and was key to the success of Outlaws volleyball. We are so very thankful for the time and leadership she has provided as a four-year varsity player.”

Rush was voted first-team setter. Ellie dished out an amazing 525 assists, recorded 130 digs, and had 10 blocks and 44 aces. Rush is a three-year varsity starter, and has established herself as one of the top setters in the Oregon West Conference.

“Ellie was always a steady player on the court for us,” said Rush. “She would run our offensive attack, and did a great job getting the ball to the right hitters at the right time. She was a threat from the serving line and someone we wanted at the serving line in close games.”

Davis was recognized at outside/middle hitter and was always a huge offensive threat. Greta recorded 212 kills, 30 blocks, 108 digs, 10 aces, and 15 assists. Greta is a two-year varsity starter and is a powerful and very athletic hitter.

“Greta has the ability to hit from any position on the floor,” said Rush. “Her athleticism makes her a threat on the net. She is one of our go-to hitters on the floor when we need to put the ball away. This year Greta has worked hard to play all the way around, and has also become a great defender. Playing the back row has allowed for us to use Greta as a powerful attack from the back row. She is one of the most powerful and athletic hitters in our league, and her energy on the floor is infectious.”

Sophie Silva earned recognition at middle hitter. Sophie is a three-year varsity starter and is one of the top middles in the league. She recorded 225 kills, 34 blocks, 125 digs, 30 aces, and 12 aces over the course of the season.

“Sophie’s quick attack and smart court-sense make her an offensive threat,” said Rush. “She is explosive in the middle with her attack, and her block is responsible for igniting many momentum shifts. She is one of our go-to hitters when we need to put the ball away, and she is an incredible defender in our back row. Her confidence and her fundamental passing form allow us to run our quick offense, and her serving is tough and accurate.”

Addy Myhre earned honorable-mention right-side hitter. Addy has been a four-year varsity player and has proven herself as a valuable right-side hitter and an integral part of the Outlaws offense. She recorded 95 kills, 24 blocks, 45 digs, 24 aces, and 18 assists this year.

“Addy has a powerful attack and great court-sense,” said Rush. “She has been an outlet for Ellie when we needed a kill, and she’s responsible for sparking many momentum shifts on the court. She has a great serve and provided us with many serving runs at state. While Addy has a quiet nature, she has stepped up her senior year to lead by example.”

Sydney Myhre was honorable-mention defensive specialist/libero. Sydney is a two-year varsity player and tallied 165 digs, 18 aces, and 22 assists.

“Sydney has the ability to play any position on the floor, and with incredible court awareness,” stated Rush. “Her competitive demeanor pushes her teammates to be better and she leads by example. She has been an anchor in the back row, coming up big at state with many diving saves.”

In addition to the all-league honors, sophomore Greta Davis earned first-team all-tournament at the State Tournament, and Coach Rush commented on her exceptional play.

“Greta showed over the state tournament how much she has grown as a player this season,” said Rush. “She was confident and powerful, while also playing smart. She put the ball down for us in crucial moments, stepped up her defensive game in the back row, and was recognized by other coaches for her effort.”