Eagles make changes, find same results in loss to Cov. Christian

South Putnam's Aubrey Nichols digs out a serve as libero Kelly Hayden looks on. (Banner Graphic/GRANT WIEMAN)

Playing its third match in the past four days, the South Putnam volleyball team hasn't had much of a chance to practice and work out their rhythm of late, but that didn't stop the team from making significant changes in the match against visiting Covenant Christian on Tuesday.

The Eagles met the same results, a 25-14, 25-12, 25-16 loss, but they appeared to be on the right track.

SPHS played the Warriors back-and-forth early in each set before getting worn down late.

"We made some big adjustments today," South Putnam coach Deanna Long said.

The Eagles have been working on modifying their defense and serve-return game throughout the early part of the season and the team took the next step on Tuesday.

Senior Kelly Hayden put on the libero shirt for SPHS, the first time this season the squad has used the defensive-specialist exception.

"Kelly has been doing phenomenal lately with her passing," Long said. "We haven't had an opportunity to really work on that so tomorrow hopefully we'll get a little bit more comfortable with that."

While Hayden has stood out to earn the spot, the team's lack of practice time showed. The Eagles were unsure of a few assignments on returns and passes, leading to several errors.

The libero wasn't the only change SPHS made, Long said, with the team shuffling its rotation and servers as well. Adding to the continuity issue is the Eagles' strategy of having both Emily Clark and Katie McHugh play as setters.

The two seniors both have solid passing and hitting abilities, and the versatility can leave the opponents guessing on when the ball will be sent over, but SPHS needs a bit more work on developing a proper chemistry for each play.

The Eagles will take the day off on Wednesday to try to gain confidence in their new spots as they prepare to take on Eminence on Thursday.

"Maybe after tomorrow, when we get a little more practice at it, they'll feel a little more comfortable with their rotation," Long said, "and with one-another."

SPHS plays at Eminence at 7:30 p.m.

At South Putnam
Covenant Christian.........25 25 25
South Putnam.................14 12 16