Volleyball poised for strong season

This year’s volleyball squad will carry on a rich tradition of elite volleyball at Sisters High School. Players are ready for an exciting season. The Lady Outlaws return a bevy of seniors, and some experienced and impactful juniors. Nine of the 12 players on the roster are returnees from last year.

Sisters’ front line boasts six players that all hover around six feet tall, which will impose a very strong defensive and offensive presence across the state.

The six returning seniors include Gracie Vohs, Gracelyn Myhre, Mia Monaghan, Bailey Robertson, Katie Buller, and Ila Reid.

Vohs returns as the reigning 3A State Player of the Year, and will bring a tenacious hitting and blocking effort to the team. Gracie is a four-year varsity player and will play as an outside hitter and as a middle blocker.

Myhre has also been on the varsity squad for four years. Coach Rory Rush said that “Gracelyn is a very cerebral player who does whatever the team needs to win on defense and offense.”

Monaghan has been on varsity for three years and is the anchor of the Outlaws’ defense as their libero. She’s a leader on the floor and has a deep knowledge of the game.

Robertson (three-year varsity player) will play at middle and as an outside hitter. She is an established force at the middle position, as she offers a very imposing block and finishes with power. Buller will play right side and middle blocker and will be another imposing defensive threat due to her size and the way she can read the other team’s attacks. Katie has been on varsity for two years.

Reid rounds out the returning senior players and has been on the varsity squad for two years. Ila will offer a strong presence on the right side of the floor with her focused defense.

Three juniors, Kathryn Scholl, Holly Davis, and Jordyn Monaghan, are also returnee players.

Scholl will be an offensive threat for the team as she brings an aggressive approach to both offense and defense. She’s been on varsity for two years and will play as an outside hitter and a middle blocker. Davis (two- year varsity player) returns as a seasoned and skilled setter with hitters all around, and her court vision will lead a high-octane offense.

Monaghan (two-year varsity player) will switch roles and play as another setter for the team this year. According to Coach Rush, her court vision and enthusiasm on the floor will be a great addition to the setter position.

Three junior players join the varsity squad for the first time this year: Sophie Rush, Kristen Elbek; and Brooklyn Cooper.

Rush will add skillful serving and stable defense to the team, while Elbek will be a valuable utility player and will bring aggressive serving and enthusiasm to the squad. Cooper will also be a valuable utility player and will bring consistent passing to the team.

Coach Rush said, “This year’s season is bound to be a thrilling season full of intense matches and unforgettable moments. While the team’s expectations are high, the players are excited to pass the challenge and hit their goals, which are to have better ball control, better serve-receive and serving than our opponents.”

The Lady Outlaws will kick off their season Thursday, August 24, at the Summit High School Jamboree, facing Bend at 9:30 a.m., Lincoln High School at 11:30 a.m., and South Medford at 1 p.m. They will take on both Caldera and Crook County at home on Tuesday, August 29. Matches are at 3 and 6 p.m., respectively.