HALE - Oct. 16, 2008 - Hale's volleyball team solidified its hold on second place in the North Star League and dealt Atlanta blow at its shot to catch Posen atop the league by sweeping the Huskies 25-17, 25-19, 25-20.

Hale coach Heather Chrivia said the Eagles played three solid games despite adjusting to some recent lineup changes and playing in a highly-charged atmosphere as the Huskies brought a large contingent of fans with them.

"(Atlanta) had a lot riding on this game," Chrivia said. "The girls were positive and upbeat all night... I really feel positive about the changes we've made."

Chrivia had moved Liz Lerczak from outside hitter to the middle hitter and Kelsey Reilly from the middle to the outside.

"Liz is really dominating the floor with her hitting there," Chrivia said. "Kelsey ... has really stepped it up. It has also been an adjustment for our setter, Laura (Sidebottom) to learn new setting spots of where the girls like the ball in their new positions. She is really doing a great job of giving the girls consistent, great sets."

She added that Lerczak and Stacey Eno also provided an intimidating defensive presence that forced Atlanta into more of a tip game than allowing them to hit.

"All nine of these girls go out every game with great, positive attitudes, and more importantly they work together as a team.

"They have all come so far since Day 1 and really, truly support one another. Some of these girls I didn't mention and even some of the ones I did are continuously cheering the team on, making great passes on hard serves and making some great saves.  They truly are the definition of a team."

Hale (15-7-3, 8-2 North Star League) travels to Mio on Tuesday, Oct. 21 and hosts Arenac Eastern on Oct. 23. Atlanta fell to 7-3 in league play. Posen still leads the NSL with an 8-1 mark.

Hale Stats: Tarra Caverly 10 aces, 10 digs, 2 assists, 3 kills; Liz Lerczak 1 ace, 6 digs, 3 blocks, 12 kills; Laura Sidebottom 100% serving, 2 aces, 4 digs, 17 assists, 5 kills; Kelsey Reilly 8 digs, 3 assists, 4 kills; Stacey Eno 1 block, 8 digs, 1 kill; Halley Wolkens 2 digs, 1 kill; Shelby Rhein 2 digs.