For The Tribune

CROTHERSVILLE

The Crothersville volleyball team looked strong in the second two sets against an undefeated, 12-0, Final Four team from last year, Hauser.

Even though the Tigers took the lead in the final two sets, they couldn’t hold on as the Jets recorded some kills that couldn’t be returned.

At the end of the night, the Jets came away with the 25-7, 25-20, 25-13 victory.

The Tigers started slowly, losing the first set 25-7.

In the second set, the Tigers took a lead of 15-12 behind a kill from sophomore Nikki Hickman and some superb serving by freshmen Maddie Riley.

The Jets called a timeout, regrouped and preceded to score five straight points off their serve to command a 18-15 lead.

Experience took over, as the Jets cruised to a 25-20 victory.

“We started coping with their serves, and I was happy we adjusted to that,” Tigers coach Linda Luedeman said. “They have a different formation than what we are used to. Our team saw what hits coming out you hard look like. We’ve got to get our blockers at least slowing the ball down a little. Our goal is to be a better team in October than we are now.”

In the third set, the Tigers took a 7-5 lead on a kill from Hickman.

Hickman then scored on two serves as the Tigers lead went to 9-5.

The Jets broke serve and scored four consecutive points, taking a 10-9 lead and never trailed again, winning the third set 25-13.

The Tigers were led in serving by Riley, who made nine of 10 attempts, and sophomore Chasta Lamb who made all nine tries.

Hitting, the Tigers were led by Riley who was eight for nine with two kills and Hickman’s 8 hits on 10 attempts with three kills.

The Tigers are now 4-5 and will play several games in a short time span. Today they travel to Rock Creek, then Friday they host South Central for a home conference game. Saturday, the Tigers will play a tournament in Henryville.