Lady Hawks fall in four

The Houston Lady Hawks volleyball team fell three games to one in a best-of-five match against Seward Friday night in Houston.

With its back to the wall after dropping the first two games by scores of 15-6 and 15-7, Houston started a comeback by taking the third game 15-13. Seward prevailed though, winning game four 15-5 to win the match.

Seward was able to place the ball well against Houston, finding holes that the Lady Hawks could not get to or kills they were unable to return.

The third game of the match had the most action. Houston jumped to an 11-6 lead in the game behind strong serves and excellent volleys. Seward slowly started coming back and eventually tied the game at 13-13. Houston regrouped by winning the serve and put the game away by scoring two more points to force a fourth game. The game consisted of many long volleys because of good saves.

Houston junior Brittany Fisher's shot blocking at the net was outstanding throughout the match. Teamed with Onie Grey and Linnea Pudwill, they continually blocked spikes and forced Seward to lob volleys over or around them.

Houston coach Gary Walker was not disappointed with the loss this early in the season.

"We're a young team with only one returning starter this year," Walker said. "We're gaining experience and getting tougher every game."

Houston goes on the road beginning Thursday with matches in Homer, Nikiski, and Seward.