ARLEE - It takes toughness and determination for a volleyball team to come back from two sets down, but the Arlee Scarlets (1-0) did just that against Philipsburg last Thursday, winning in five games 3-2.

"It was touch and go for a while but they pulled it off," Arlee head coach Brian BigSam said.

After losing 25-21 and 25-22, it looked like it might be a tough night for Arlee in their non conference, Class C, season opener.

Not so.

"I think [Philipsburg] thought it was going to be an easy win," BigSam said.

It proved not to be as Arlee dominated in the third game 25-13, and then squeaked by in a close fourth set 25-22 to force a fifth set.

"It was really good for the girls," BigSam said. "Once they got that first win under their belt, they were ready to go."

Arlee and Philipsburg battled closely, but the Scarlets won the game, 15-13.

Once junior hitter Becca Nelson found her rhythm, she led the team with 11 kills and seven aces. Other standouts for the Scarlets were senior Maria Pablo, who had seven digs and junior Courtney Dix who keyed the offense with 19 assists.

"It wasn't an easy win but we didn't lose the first two sets by very much," BigSam said. "Five is good for us."

Arlee will host Hot Springs at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.