HOT SPRINGS – The Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat were able to pick up a win against Superior Saturday in four sets 25-23,25-18,15-25,25-15.

The Lady Savage Heat came out strong and focused on communication and calling for the ball. This was something Coach Pablo had emphasized during practice leading up to the game. The team served the ball throughout the set and after a timeout with the score 24-23 the Savage Heat were able to score the point and take the set.

The momentum continued to the second set. The Lady Savage Heat were able to win long volleys and control the net. Service for Hot Springs continued to roll despite their struggles in the pass game.

“We’ve been in a rut and this is a good win,” Pablo said. “The girls finally played well together.”

The ladies dropped the third set to the Bobcats 15-25. They came out of the gate looking sluggish and got down early. The team could not catch back up.

“That third game, no communication,” Pablo said. “Some girls got mad at themselves and it wasn’t working.”

The set appeared a lost cause from halfway through the game. The Savage Heat’s heads clearly weren’t in it. Coach Pablo thinks that the attitude in the third set brought the whole team down, but was proud of the way they rallied back in the forth set to take the match 25-15.

The Lady Savage Heat played the set like a whole new ball game, controlling the tempo and getting out to an early lead in the set. The Savage Heat were able to earn three straight points at the 14-10 mark before giving up a few points to the Bobcats. With 21 points on the board the Savage Heat went back and forth with the Bobcats. Their lead was enough to prevent any attempt of a comeback. They took the set 25-15 and ultimately the match in four sets.

“Their hustle was excellent,” Pablo said. “The last few games they haven’t been hustling as much. It’s good they were getting after those balls and going to the corners and making them playable.”

The tough love method Pablo employed at last week’s practice remains the game plan moving forward. The ladies have a lot to work on to get ready for the last few matches of the season.

“I think what we did this week obviously worked,” Pablo said. “This next week will be more serving and just having them anticipate what we are throwing at them. They need to fill their holes and be ready for what we throw at them.”

Even though Pablo plans on being tough on the girls again during this week’s practices she knows how well the team played Saturday.

“I think everything we did in the first, second and fourth game were amazing,” Pablo said.

All week long Coach Pablo hopes that the girl’s confidence is on the rise and they continue to play how they played in the match Saturday.

She will find out if the hard work pays off October 18 as the Savage Heat take on Seeley Swan on the road.