MIO – Jan. 12, 2006 – The Hale volleyball team kept itself in contention in the North Star League by taking a four-game victory over defending league champ Mio AuSable on Thursday, bouncing back from a series of lackluster performances.

The Eagles took the match 17-25, 25-22, 25-23, 25-15.

“It was a much-needed and well-deserved win,” said Hale coach Kristi Benedict. “The girls worked hard for it and didn’t get down despite losing the first game.”

After losing a league game to AuGres-Sims and struggling in Monday’s victory over Atlanta, Benedict said the Eagles improved in nearly every phase of the game.

“I’m working with the rotation a little so we had a different lineup (than usual) in the first game,” she said. “We went back to the old rotation and won the next three games. We served 88 percent for the night … Shannon (Self) really came on with her hitting … Prior to that, our attacking had been way off.

“Defensively the girls had some good digs and our blocking is improving a little. The girls were communicating with each other much better than they had in prior matches. They all contributed in a big way and it was great to see them earn that win.”

Jessica Beasinger and Sabrina Provoast each served 100 percent on the night, with Beasinger recording three aces on just six serves and adding 12 digs. Chelsea Sidebottom added four aces; Self had 14 kills, Andrea Herzog had three aces, three kills and two blocks; and Sabrina Provoast added five kills and 10 assists.

The Eagles (2-1 in North Star League play) travel to Fairview on Thursday and host Hillman on Monday, Jan. 23.