The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The Sisters Outlaws JV volleyball squad finished their season 10-6, and showed marked improvement from start to finish. One big highlight was winning Silver in the Crook County Tournament.

Ten players were on the roster, including freshman Alexis Gibney (setter); middle blockers Audrey Sybesma and Haven Heuberger both freshmen; freshman defensive specialist Emma Long; Ava Stotts, a freshman; and sophomore Kristen Elbek, sophomore right side hitter Kiara Martin; outside hitters Brooklyn Cooper, a sophomore, and Tania Rebolledo, a junior; and sophomore libero Sophie Rush. Long and Elbek also played outside.

The players missed very few serves. They worked hard in practice, showed up early, and worked to improve their skills.

Varsity Coach Rory Rush said, “These girls had great mental toughness. They made great progress in learning not to let mistakes get in their way. They played well together as a team and showed improvement as the season went on.”

The Outlaws’ hitters were aggressive, and played above the net. Rush said they worked all season to add more to their tool box with quick hits, off-speed shots, and hitting specific spots on the court.

Players in the back row did a great job covering the floor, and gave good passes to set up the offense. Rush told The Nugget that the great defense in the back frustrated many teams.

At the close of the season JV Coach Cris Converse gave out a few select awards. Sybesma earned Best Blocker for her aggressive net play and big blocks in the middle. Heuberger was dubbed Best Hitter for her tough net play and her big hits from the middle. Best Server went to Sophie Rush, who only missed two serves the entire season. Long wrapped up the special awards as Most Improved. Long worked hard in every position she played, had a great serve, and passed the ball well.

Rush said, “Cris did an amazing job with our JV team this year. She worked hard to not only grow their skill, but she made them a cohesive unit on the floor. They were self-motivated and always pushing to get better. I am excited for the future and the continued success of Outlaws volleyball.”