Teams that gel into a cohesive unit as the mid-season matches come and go are often very dangerous teams to play.

Such is the case with the Hot Springs Lady Heat, who under the guidance of head coach Taylor Salmi and assistant coach Maria Begger have become a challenging opponent to say the least.

They proved that true this past week when they traveled to St. Regis and swept the Lady Tigers 3-0, then did the same to the Noxon Lady Devils Saturday night in Hot Springs.

Thursday night Hot Springs took on a St. Regis team that is struggling to find its rhythm and will be a force themselves when they do.

But on this night, Hot Springs took control early, then fought off a spirited Lady Tigers charge to come away with a sweep of their conference match.

Hot Springs won the opening set 25-13, a game they controlled from start to finish. The Lady Heat blazed out to a 10-1 lead in the opening set and rolled to a 1-0 match lead.

The second set was anyone’s to win as both teams staged impressive rallies and fought to the finish. St. Regis jumped out to a 9-1 lead before Hot Springs got things going and tied the set at 10-each. From there the set was a back and forth contest with several long rallies and spectacular saves on both sides.

After being deadlocked at 10, the match featured nine ties and as many lead changes before Lady Heat freshman Kara Christensen stepped up and helped Hot Springs pull away to a 28-26 set two win with a pair of crucial kill shots. That gave Hot Springs a commanding 2-0 match lead.

After the physically draining battle they staged in the second set, it was a matter of who could summon up the energy and will for the third set. Hot Springs answered that call, jumping out to a 9-3 early lead and maintaining it throughout on their way to a 25-12 win to complete the 3-0 match sweep.

Christensen had an outstanding game for Hot Springs, recording eight aces on low, laser serves, six kills, three blocks and six digs. Brooke Jackson added a match best 13 assists and sophomore Callie Cano led the Heat with seven digs.

Saturday night, the Lady Heat returned to their home court for a crucial league match with now 4-2 Noxon.

This one surprised several volleyball fans, not just that Hot Springs won, but by the precision-like efficiency with which they played.

At no time during the three-set sweep did Noxon lead in any set. Hot Springs set the tempo early on, jumping out to a quick 12-4 lead and maintaining it on their way to a 25-13 lead that set off a cautious buzz among the Savage Heat fans.

If that was buzz-worthy, set two was downright splendid for the home fans as they watched the Lady Heat win long volleys and thwart brief Noxon rallies with their play on the court. They breezed to a 25-8 set two win and, in light of the first two sets, a commanding 2-0 match lead.

In what was the final set of the match, Noxon closed to within three points at the midway point of the set before Hot Springs cranked it up and pulled away. Senior Lauryn Aldridge’s block at the net made it 24-14 Hot Springs. Aldridge then dished up a hard hit kill shot to close it out at 25-14 and complete the sweep before a stunned yet appreciative crowd.

“They did a great job,” said coach Salmi. “It was fun to be part of”.

Christensen had another outstanding match, recording a team high 11 digs to go with seven service aces and five kills. Aldridge chipped in sxi kills and six blocks, while Jackson agains led the team with 13 assists. Cano had one ace, two kills and six digs for the Heat.

The win boosted the Lady Heat to 5-3 on the year and 4-3 in the Western 14C conference. Next up for Hot Springs is a match this Thursday in Pablo against winless Two Eagle River. The Lady Heat then travel to Charlo this Saturday for a key match versus the Lady Vikings.

Noxon, meanwhile, has a home match this Friday against Charlo, then travels to St. Regis to take on the Lady Tigers Saturday evening.