Newton Citizen

COVINGTON - Salem's volleyball team was able to take a short lead over Habersham Central, but in the end it was unable to maintain it, losing both games to the Lady Raiders on Thursday.

Habersham Central swept Salem 25-16, 25-10.

"We're learning to work together, trying to work together to create an offense," Salem coach Chanestia Davis said. "They lose their momentum and their confidence."

The Lady Seminoles fell behind early in the first game, trailing 5-0. But they were able to cut into Habersham Central's lead until they took an 8-7 lead with Jessica Chapman serving three points, including an ace.

With the score tied 9-9, the Lady Raiders' Megan Rowland served 12 straight points to give Habersham Central a 21-9 lead. She had one ace during her service, but Haley Gerrin was able to keep the serve going with three kills.

Salem's Erica McLean got two aces to make the score 24-16, but the Lady Raiders won the game with a side-out point.

In the second game, Habersham Central's Heather Pitts and Chelsea Smith stayed on the service line for seven and 10 points as the Lady Raiders took a 21-6 lead.

Leading 24-7, Habersham Central tried to give Hillary Hill the chance to win the match by setting her up two times for game-winning kills. Fortunately for Salem, Hill's attempts ended up in the net to make it 24-9.

After getting another point, Gerrin closed things out with the game-winning smash.

Gerrin finished the match with nine kills.

McLean paced the Lady Seminoles with two aces with the other two coming from Chapman and Leandra Prempeh.

Prempeh also had a kill with Chapman getting a block and Spencer Papallo getting two digs.

"One they get behind they get down, they lose their drive," Davis said. "If we could get them to keep their drive I guess they'll be OK."