HALE - Jan. 4, 2006 - AuGres-Sims opened North Star League volleyball play on Thursday with a 25-12, 15-25, 25-17, 25-23 victory at Hale.

"It was a good night," said the Wolverines' Jamie Taylor, last year's NSL Most Valuable Player. "We had one big downfall, but our positive attitudes and cheering kept us going. ONce we're on top, we can't be knocked down!!!!!" (Taylor requested five exclamation points.)

"The girls played inconsistently," said Hale coach Kristi Benedict. "That's an area they'll need to work on. One minute they can be playing very well, and the next they are struggling."

The Wolverines were led by Taylor's 14 assists, 17 digs and 6 kills. Sam Baron added 12 kills and 9 digs, while Chelsie Irwin and Toria Pendred added 12 digs apiece.

Leading Hale were Elizabeth Lerczak with 2 aces, 4 kills, 23 digs and 2 blocks; Tarra Caverly with 4 assists, 2 kills and 19 digs; Rachel Bunner with 2 kills; amd Sabroma Provoast with 7 blocks and 40 digs.

AGS improved to 5-4 (1-0 NSL) while Hale dropped to 1-1 (0-1).