Noxon takes win

The Noxon Lady Red Devils claimed their first win of the season, Saturday, in their game against the Hot Springs Lady Savage Heat.

The game was intense. Both teams played strong from the start with close scores in most of the four periods. In the first period, Noxon took an early lead only to have Hot Springs pull back and shoot ahead. The Lady Savage Heat took a decisive win with a 10-point advantage.

Throughout the rest of the game, both teams had good plays where several volleys were exchanged at a rapid pace. During the second and third periods, Noxon pulled ahead to a strong lead, but Hot Springs was able to come from behind. Noxon was able to rally, though, and in both periods kept the score tied before pulling ahead to a close win.

The fourth period was anyone’s game. The score was close as both teams began to pull ahead only to end up tied again. The period wound up going into over time as the girls fought to get the two-point lead needed to win. Noxon was able to edge out Hot Springs, though, claiming victory with a score of 29-27.

Both teams had excellent defenses and offenses with a number of good plays from both teams. Noxon’s Cory Brodmerkle was especially good at blocking, hitting the ball to the floor on Hot Springs’ side.

Hot Springs Head Coach Alisha Pablo felt the game went very well and everyone played well as a team.

“It was fun … we did lots of good things,” she said.

She felt they had lots of talent, though they still needed to work on their communication to get each other pumped up. Throughout the game, the Hot Springs’ side of the court would be almost silent compared to their opponents.

The Lady Savage Heat will play another home game on Thursday, September 17 against Arlee. Pablo did not know anything about their team this year, but said she hopes the Hot Springs girls come together to bring home a win.

During their practices leading up to the game, the girls have been working on their front row strategies as well as improving their communication. The coach stressed the importance of their cheerleading to get each other pumped up during a game.

Lady Red Devil Head Coach Teri Wilkinson was happy with getting Noxon’s first win of the season. She felt the team could play better, though had no thoughts on specific things to change. It was noted girls have been working with slightly unfamiliar strategies.

“We had to redo things on the bus last night cause our Libero’s not here,” Wilkinson said. “So I had to redo players and player’s positions.”

One of the players moved around was Asiah Jensen; normally she is an outside hitter, though for this game she was put in the middle. The Noxon coach felt she did very well in the position and had some good plays.

The Lady Red Devils also have a game on Thursday. They will be playing against Superior in their first home game. Wilkinson does not know much about the Bobcats’ current team beyond that they lost a number of good players at the end of last year.