AuGRES-SIMS - Sep. 10, 2009 - Hale and AuGres-Sims both put very young volleyball teams on the court this season. The difference -- for now at least -- is that many of the Eagles' sophomores played varsity as freshmen out of necessity, and thus are far more experienced.

AuGres-Sims, on the other hand, is still learning the varsity game.

Hale's more seasoned group took a 25-11, 25-17, 25-22 victory over the Wolverines, whose play improved as the match wore on.

"We came out strong and had a goal in mind," said Hale coach Heather Chrivia. "In the past we seem to have a problem with two consistently-played games in a row. We were striving to get two consistent games and we did."

The Eagles' front row contingent of Laura Sidebottom, Kelsey Reilly, Stacey Eno, Halley Wolkens and Lindsay Weaver were too much for the Wolverines through most of the first game. Hale built a 16-5 lead and was never threatened.

"(They) were all real strong on the net, both hitting and putting the pressure on blocking," Chrivia said. "Shelby Rhein's sets were beautiful ... and passing was looking much better as well."

The Eagles also never trailed in the second set, leading 6-1 early. The Wolverines, spurred by a number of back row saves from Anita Rollins, Chelsea Miller and Lyndsey Yang kept the ball alive.

AGS led through much of the third game as Hale played a number of its freshmen. A string of three straight Rollins aces gave AGS the lead early, and a kill and an ace by Brandi Willett gave the Wolverines their largest lead at 19-15.

But after a service error cost the Wolverines the ball and a point, Hale took control with aces from Lindsay Weaver, two aces from Halley Wolkens and a Stacey Eno tip. Hale finished the match with a 10-3 run to claim the sweep.

Chrivia said she was pleased with the play of her freshmen.

"Liz Farrand put a kill on the board," she said. "Jessica LaBranche had a dig and some great passes off the serve; Vanessa Largent also contributed some good passes; Lauren Moritz and Chelsie Wilson were strong on the net.

"I was really proud and impressed with everyone's performance. We still have lots to work on and I look forward to continued improvement."

Hale (1-2, 1-1 North Star League) hosts Atlanta on Tuesday, Sep. 15, while AGS (0-2, 0-2) travels to Arenac Eastern.