Lady Outlaws crowned VB champs

The Lady Outlaws clinched the league title with their 25-13, 25-10, 25-16 win over Creswell at home on Tuesday, October 17, which gave them the championship title two years in a row. Two days later they beat the Lady Hawks at La Pine with scores of 25-10, 25-11, and 25-20.

On Tuesday, the Outlaws honored their six seniors, Gracie Vohs (outside hitter), Gracelyn Myhre (outside hitter), Bailey Robertson (middle blocker), Ila Reid (right side), Mia Monaghan (libero), and Katie Buller (right side) prior to the start of the contest.

Coach Rory Rush said, "This group of seniors has worked hard this year to not only continue their success from last year, but they have pushed themselves to grow mentally. They are focusing on one game at a time and getting better after each game. Playing together since they were 10 years old, they know each other well. They support each other, encourage each other, and lead our team with intent and purpose. They have left their mark on Outlaw volleyball and set the bar high for those coming up behind them. We are excited to get in the gym this week to fine tune and prepare for the games ahead."

The Outlaws easily took the first two sets. At the start of the third set, fans noticed that none of the players were in their normal positions. Rush told The Nugget that Vohs and Myhre have joked all season that they'd like to set the ball, and in the third set Rush consented and let all of her six seniors mix it up on the court. Vohs and Myhre set the ball, Mia Monaghan and Bailey Robertson played as outside hitters, and Ila Reid and Katie Buller played in the middle.

"I think there were some nerves playing a new position and wanting to make sure they finished strong," said Rush. "They were a little off to start, but got into a rhythm and finished well. It was fun for them."

Vohs led the team with 19 kills, followed by Myhre who tallied 17, and Robertson who added 11. Mia Monaghan had 19 digs (also three assists), and Holly Davis dished out 32 assists.

Vohs recorded nine digs and seven assists, Myhre had four digs and four assists, and Katie Buller finished with seven digs.

Rush stated, "These six seniors have left their mark on Outlaw volleyball with back-to-back league titles. They haven't finished lower that's third place at the state tournament in the last three years. They are undefeated in league this year at 11-0, only dropping two sets to league opponents. Our only losses of the season have come at tournaments to higher level teams."

Two days later at La Pine the Outlaws were without setter Holly Davis, and freshman Paityn Cotner was asked to step up and lead the offense.

Rush said, "She filled in well and the offense didn't seem to miss a beat."

Vohs led the charge with two kills, followed by Myhre, who finished with 14. Mia Monaghan led the squad with 13 digs, Myhre recorded 12, and Cotner added 10. Cotner finished the night with 46 assists.

The Outlaws have a bye in the first round and host the second round of state playoffs on Saturday, October 28.