HOT SPRINGS – The Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat volleyball team returned home after a long stretch of games on the road last weekend.

Hot Springs competed against Charlo in the opening competition of three consecutive matches the Hot Springs team will play on their home court.

The divisional match against Charlo tipped off at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20.

Hot Springs dropped the match to the Charlo Vikings losing in three sets by scores of 25-17, 25-26 and 25-13.

Though the team lost, Hot Springs Head Coach Alisha Pablo was pleased with how the girls competed throughout the match against the tough competition from Charlo.

The Vikings have yet to lose a divisional match this season.

“The girls played really well and continue to surpass expectation,” Pablo said.

Throughout the match the Lady Savage Heat combined for 11 kills, four blocks, 68 digs, six assists and four aces.

The Hot Springs defense was led by Makenzi Skellenger and Sophia Jeffries both sophomores.

The two players combined for 36 digs throughout the course of the evening match, with each player contributing 18 a piece to the team’s total of 68 overall digs.  

“The girls are really scrappy and the team passes very well,” Pablo said.

The Head Coach added the team’s serving percentage was around 90 percent.

Pablo said the team does need to improve on the net, but she added their net play is definitely affected by the lack of height on the team.

“We need to go back to our defense and fine tune it,” Pablo said.

Nonetheless, Pablo was still pleased with how the girls competed throughout the match.

She added the team’s inexperience has been a factor this season but the girls are working hard to put the pieces together and improve as a volleyball team.

“They are really doing a nice job,” Pablo said.

Next up for the Lady Savage Heat will be a home match against the Plains Trotters.

The contest will take place at 7 p.m. in Hot Springs on Monday, Sept. 22.