Moses Lake goes down in three games to Eisenhower

MOSES LAKE — The Lady Chiefs showed a little spark in the third game of their loss to Eisenhower Thursday but it was too little, too late.

The Lady Cadets jumped out to a commanding 18-6 lead but Moses Lake was able to battle back after an IKE sideout.

Moses Lake's Shayla May served four straight service points for the Lady Chiefs to bring her team to 11 before Moses Lake sided out. May led the team in assists with 13 and had eight digs.

Jayme Albrant added to Moses Lake's scoring rally with two points, including an ace serve.

However, the small burst in scoring was not enough to fend off IKE, who won 25-16.

"IKE is one of the top teams in the state right now," said coach Amy Utter. "To compete with a team like that, you've got to play your best games. We didn't do that tonight."

In the first game, Moses Lake kept up with the Lady Cadets until late in the game.

Eisenhower was able to score three consecutive points to take the score to 17-10.

With game point approaching, Moses Lake was able to put together two great rallies — volleying and digging well, getting to the net on defense and keeping IKE on their heels.

The scrambles for the ball, and possession, kept Moses Lake in it until their final sideout.

The first game ended 25-12.

In the second game Moses Lake was simply overpowered.

"There were no huge swings in momentum," said Utter.

Eisenhower began the match with seven straight service points before siding out to give Moses Lake their first opportunity to serve.

The Lady Chiefs were in the fight, 6-8, before losing possession.

IKE was able to score another six unanswered points.

Taisha Haines tipped the ball for Moses Lake and regained possession for her team.

The side out point was Moses Lake's last point of the match and they fell to the Lady Cadets 8-25.

Amanda Hickman had seven kills and four digs. Jhenesis Garza had three kills and 14 digs.

"We made too many mistakes," Utter said. "We didn't allow Eisenhower to make the mistakes that could have given us an advantage."

Moses Lake will spend today's practice preparing for a tournament in Spokane Saturday.

"We need to continue to improve," said Utter. "We have done that all season."