Savage Heat face tough competition

The Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat took to the road for the Western Class C divisional volleyball tournament in Manhattan last Thursday. While the Savage Heat didn't make it to the state tournament, they put forth a great effort at divisional to cap off a great season.

To open the tournament the Savage Heat faced the Twin Bridges Lady Falcons falling in three sets, 12-25, 8-25, 16-25. Both teams came out going point for point in the first set, until the Lady Falcons took the lead earning the set win. In the second set it would be Hot Springs who would gain the first points, until Twin Bridges shut down the Lady Savage Heat defense and was able to keep the massive lead and take the second set win. Hot Springs came into the third set with new fire holding their own going volley for volley. They were able to match up with the Lady Falcons, until Twin Bridges was able to successfully hold the serve earning the final win.

Brooke Jackson led Hot Springs with her set assists with seven. Jackson also earned nine digs. Senior Lauryn Aldridge was able to spike down four kills for the Lady Savage Heat, Kara Christensen behind her also getting four.

Hot Springs opened the second day going toe to toe at the net with the Drummond Lady Trojans. After a valiant effort the Lady Savage Heat fell in three sets, 10-25, 11-25, 11-25.

The Lady Trojans came out putting the first points on the board. Hot Springs was able to answer back, putting the teams neck to neck. It would be Drummond who would keep the lead and earn the set win. Coming into the second, the Lady Trojans took a steady eight point lead. The Lady Savage Heat were able to catch up but could not take the lead. Getting the serve, Drummond was able to shut out Hot Springs earning the second set win. Quickly in the third both teams came out going point for point for the first couple points, until once again the Lady Falcons were able to take the lead making the Lady Savage Heat work together to earn their points. Ultimately it would be the Lady Falcons who would pull ahead, taking the final set win.

Georgia Uski and Jackson held the lead for set assists with 12 each. Uski was able to hammer down 13 kills for the Lady Savage Heat, while Aldridge was behind her with four. Uski got a marvelous 20 digs for Hot Springs, while Christensen got six.

Congratulations to these girls for putting their whole hearts into the season. The Lady Savage Heat had an incredible season going 12-9.