Ethel volleyball dropped two close matches to Sebastopol, both 3-1 with scores of 25-18, 25-20, 23-25, 25-23 and 25-18, 15-25, 25-22, 25-17.
“We're going through growing pains as a second-year team,” said Coach Chris Schuster.
There have been improvements, however.
“I feel like we are so much better this year,” Schuster said. “We're getting in the right position when they attack. We're in better position to receive it and run our offense.”
The Lady Tigers played their first Region 5-1A game Tuesday at West Lowndes. A match with McAdams scheduled for Thursday has been canceled because McAdams has gone virtual due to COVID cases.
Teams in 5-1A are Ethel, West Lowndes, and Noxapater. The top two will qualify for the MHSAA playoffs.
Schuster considers Noxapater, a fourth-year program, as the favorite.
“I'm hoping we can be where they are three or four years from now,” he said.
Ethel plays Noxapater on the road next Tuesday and at home September 28. The second game with West Lowndes is scheduled for October 4.
