Hale kept pace with front-running AuGres-Sims in the North Star League with a four-game victory over Fairview on Thursday. The Eagles' Elizabeth Lerczak returns a serve in the second game of the Hale win.
Brent Baker
Hale’s Tarra Caverly flies in for the kill during Thursday’s victory over Fairview.

HALE - Jan. 18, 2007 - The Hale volleyball team has had the habit of getting off to a slow start in its matches this season.

That wasn't the case on Thursday as the Eagles powered their way past Fairview in a North Star League match, 25-21, 25-25, 18-25, 25-13.

"That was a bit of a change for us," said Hale coach Kristi Benedict of the fast start. "For the most part I thought we played pretty well tonight."

Hale hit its stride midway through the first game, bouncing back from a 14-17 deficit to win by four, then dominated the second game behind the front line play of Tarra Caverly, Sabrina Provoast and Elizabeth Lerczak.

The Eagles were their own worst enemy in the third-game loss, but came back to put the fourth and final game out of reach in a hurry.

In their previous two NSL wins, the Eagles lost their first two games before coming back to win the final three to earn the win.

Playing time is not an issue for the Eagles, who have just seven players (one substitute) at the varsity level. A lack of height may become an issue as the season goes on, but Benedict believes that improved team chemistry should help offset that.

Terra Kelso, Heather Albaugh, Rachel Bunner and Rachel Maher give Hale a balance between front row and back-line play. The Eagles (4-5, 3-1 North Star League) are among four teams with a chance to chase down defending league champion AuGres-Sims.