Savage Heat fall to Charlo

In a game that felt much closer than the final results, the Hot Springs Savage Heat fell in three sets to Charlo Saturday night, 25-11, 25-19, 25-18. The loss drops the Savage Heat's record to 0-3 on the young season.

The Charlo Vikings roared out to a commanding 15-3 lead in the first set before Hot Springs Coach Alisha Pablo called a timeout. Charlo's hot start was powered by high-flying kills from seniors Kassidi Cox and Hayleigh Smith. The Savage Heat responded in a big way after the timeout with a flurry lead by an incredible diving save by senior outside hitter Moira Lonrergan (who led the team with eight digs) and all-around play from senior middle hitter Lily Winn. Winn led the Savage Heat with five blocks, four kills and two aces. Charlo was able to withstand the rally, however, and won the first set 25-11.

The second set was filled with back-and-forth action as neither team separated themselves by more than two points in the early stages. With the score tied 10-10, Charlo was able to score four consecutive points and held on to win the set 25-19.

The competitiveness of the second set continued into the third set with Hot Springs jumping out to a 5-2 lead highlighted by smart play from freshman setter Brooke Jackson, who led the Savage Heat with five assists. Charlo was able to respond though, and Coach Pablo called for a timeout with Charlo back in the lead 13-9. The set finished with more back-and-forth scoring until Charlo closed out the set and sealed the victory 25-18.

After being down 17-4 in the first set, the Savage Heat kept things much closer only being outscored 58-44 throughout the rest of the contest.

Hot Springs will look to get off to a better start in their next game as they travel to face Superior at 6 p.m. this Thursday.