Outlaws volleyball continue winning roll

The Sisters volleyball squad extended their spotless record last week, with a sweep over the Eagles at Harrisburg on Tuesday, September 13, and a sweep at home over the visiting Pleasant Hill (PH) Billies a day later.

In Tuesday’s action the Outlaws’ strong-armed frontline blocks were key in the disciplined defensive effort, which had the team out front quickly with an early first-set lead. Sisters stayed out front, never looked back, and won the set 25-16.

Coach Rory Rush said, “Our front line is tall and athletic, which not only creates a strong defensive block for us, but is very intimidating for the opposition. Our front line really makes teams change their offensive schemes and attack angles. I’m very excited about the growth our front line is making!”

The front line was anchored by returning middle blocker Bailey Robertson. Robertson was joined by returning varsity right side Anna Landon, and middle blocker Katie Buller, right side Kathryn Scholl, and right side Ila Reid, who are newcomers to the varsity squad this year.

“The depth, size, and athleticism we have across our front line is a luxury to have,” added Rush. “They are hard workers and a joy to coach. They were absolutely key in our second league win tonight.”

Sisters won the second set 25-10, and recorded the win with a 25-16 third-set victory.

A day later, the Outlaws posted their 10th straight victory at home against Pleasant Hill. Jordyn Monaghan (sophomore), who normally plays as a defensive specialist, stepped in at libero for her sister Mia, who was out for the night. Monaghan did a great job and had an impressive performance at that position.

Sisters got off to a slow start and the first half of the set was knotted up four times before the Outlaws started to pull away. With the score tied at 8-8, Sisters got the side-out and Gracie Vohs stepped back to the service line. Vohs served four in a row, including an ace to push the Outlaws to a 13-8 advantage. The Outlaws held the lead for the remainder of the set, which ended 25-18 with two aces from the service line from Vohs.

The second set stayed close until Monaghan stepped up to the service line, and posted a six-run service streak, which included two aces, that put the Outlaws on top 15-7. Bailey Robertson sealed the 25-19 second set with a fabulous block.

In the third set, the Outlaws were up 11-5, but the Billies wouldn’t go down easy. Pleasant Hill fought back with six straight points to narrow the gap to 11-10. Big plays and vehement kills from Vohs, Robertson, and Myhre, and nine great digs from Monaghan, led the Outlaws to their 25-16 win.

Rush commented on Jordyn Monaghan’s play.

“Jordyn did a marvelous job jumping right into the libero role,” said Rush. “We have talked all year about being ready, building depth as a team, and when you get your chance it’s ‘next girl up.’ We didn’t miss a beat with her leading our defense. She showed a lot of growth.”

Sisters was scheduled to play at Creswell on Monday, September 19. They will host Siuslaw on Wednesday, September 21.