ALBANY — Despite missing a handful of its top runners Saturday — whether it be to illness, injury or school activities — Sisters persevered at the Mizuno Harrier Classic.
Three freshmen boys took on the challenge of the varsity cross-country meet to ensure the Outlaws a team score. Sisters' top runner for the girls stumbled in the early stages.
Yet the Outlaws pulled away en route to eighth- and 22nd-place finishes for the girls and boys teams, respectively.
“I think that overall the kids that showed up did fine, but it wasn't our strongest group," Sisters coach Charlie Kanzig said. “We'll get better though. I was proud of them."
Zoe Falk anchored Sisters' performance list, finishing 14th overall on the girls side with a time of 20 minutes, despite falling around 50 meters into the race.
“Our girls team is pretty deep," Kanzig said. “Even without three of our runners, I thought the girls held their own."
The boys ended the day with 544 points in the 24-team competition. Freshman Izaak Kanzig led the way with a time of 18:14 and a 78th-place finish, soon followed by freshmen Gabriel Rice and Dyut Fetrow.
“I thought they did great," Kanzig said of the freshmen. “I could have put them in the JV race, but they were willing to jump in there and let us have a varsity score. I thought those guys were gutsy. They all ran their best times of the year."
Sisters competes in the Adidas XC Classic in Portland next Saturday.
In other Saturday action:
VOLLEYBALL
White Buffaloes take Junction City Tournament
JUNCTION CITY — In nearly flawless fashion, Madras cruised through pool play and powered through the bracket on its way to the Junction City Tournament championship.
The White Buffaloes defeated Taft (25-10, 25-13) and Douglas (22-25, 25-22, 15-11) before putting Cottage Grove away in the title bout (25-17, 25-18).
Madras coach Jamie Smith praised Caitlin Hulsey and Natalie Martin, two players who may not have had the flashiest of numbers but made large contributions to the team's run.
Hulsey stepped in for an injured teammate and finished with 10 assists in the title match and 17 on the day. Martin totaled just five kills in the tournament, but most, Smith said, were momentum-shifting points.
Shelby Mauritson collected 42 kills on the day, while Alexis Urbach finished with 38 kills and 10 blocks. Sarah Brown racked up 28 kills and 12 blocks, and Lauren Simmons chipped in with 56 digs.
Madras continues conference play against Estacada on Monday.
La Pine compiled a 1-2 record in pool play, but the Hawks fell in the first round of bracket action to Cottage Grove 25-12, 25-15.
Holly Jackson led the Hawks with 17 kills, seven digs and six blocks on the day. Her five aces were matched by Kelley Terrell, who also delivered 20 assists. Kenzie Conard finished with seven kills, seven digs and one ace.
La Pine entertains Elmira on Monday.
Tigers, Grizzlies go two, three
GILCHRIST — In the five-team, round-robin Gilchrist Tournament, Central Christian and Gilchrist finished second and third, respectively. First place went to Eddyville, which collected the most points on the day to earn top honors. Central Christian visits Dufur on Monday, while Gilchrist hosts Trinity Lutheran on Tuesday.
Prospect 25-25-25
Trinity Lutheran 8-12-15
PROSPECT — The Saints of Bend fell to 7-3 in Mountain Valley League play with the loss to the Cougars. Trinity Lutheran served well, according to coach Greg Clift, but struggled with serve receive. “We couldn't get into our offense at all," Clift said. Sophomore Rachel Spencer provided one of the few highlights for the Saints, “stepping in and giving a real good effort," said Clift. Trinity Lutheran continues league play on Tuesday at Gilchrist.
BOYS SOCCER
Crook County 4
Sweet Home 2
PRINEVILLE — The Cowboys snapped a five-game losing streak as Zane Abrams scored twice in the nonleague contest to help Crook County improve to 2-7 overall. The Cowboys hosts Mountain View on Tuesday.
Irrigon 6
Central Christian 2
REDMOND — Caleb Reynolds tallied a pair of goals in the second half, but a four-goal first half by Irrigon put the Tigers away in the Class 3A/2A/1A Special District 4 matchup. Bryson Eells was credited with an assist. Central Christian (0-5-1 SD4, 1-5-1 overall) continues conference play on Tuesday, when the Tigers travel to Boardman to face Riverside.
GIRLS SOCCER
Sweet Home 3
Crook County 2
PRINEVILLE — The Cowgirls led 2-0 in the second half before the Huskies rallied late and scored the game's three final goals in the 4A nonleague matchup. Jena Ovens scored both of Crook County's goals. The Cowgirls (1-7 overall) are at Mountain View on Tuesday.
