VOLLEYBALL: Sparta outlasts Du Quoin in three sets

The Lady Indians had control of Thursday night's varsity volleyball match at Sparta after taking the first set 25-20, but dropped the last two 25-23 and 25-23 to allow the Lady Bulldogs to come away with the conference victory.

Still, Du Quoin showed signs of improvement, as Sparta beat them soundly in straight sets earlier this season at the DHS Invitational. On Thursday, the Lady Indians fought tooth and nail, battling back from big early deficits in the final two sets before coming up just short.

"Kenzie Jackson's hitting, Alaina Caldwell's setting, Rylea McDonald's defense and Afton Robinson's serving really took their big middles out of their offense," said DHS head coach Jo Dill.

Jackson had team-highs of ten kills, ten digs and two blocks for Du Quoin. Caldwell led the team in assists with 15, and also added eight digs and six kills. McDonald finished with nine digs. Robinson recorded nine service aces and 13 total points.

Du Quoin continues conference play this week with a game on Tuesday at Carterville, and another on Thursday at home against Pinckneyville.