Tri-match unkind to Lady Patriots

There were some bright spots, but the Homewood High School varsity volleyball team dropped both pieces of a tri-match with visiting Briarwood and Vestavia Hills on Tuesday evening.

The Lady Patriots (2-6) started the night by playing Briarwood, and looked strong in the opening set, taking it 25-16. The Lions fought back in the following set, even after falling behind again, and won 26-24.

In the deciding set, Homewood faltered, and Briarwood took the 15-8 decision to win the match.

“We started out the night playing real competitive and fast,” Homewood head coach Carol Chesnutt said, “and then we slowed down, then we had to get back up again.”

After watching Vestavia Hills sweep Briarwood, Homewood returned to the court in the final match of the evening against the Rebels.

Vestavia flexed its muscle in the first set, winning 25-12. The Rebels jumped out once again in the second set, but Homewood continued to battle, narrowing the gap until the Rebels finished the 25-20 set to take the win.

“I thought the last 10 points were good, competitive, getting after it,” Chesnutt said. “That was good to see.”

Vestavia Hills finished the tri-match with a pair of wins, Briarwood split and Homewood dropped both.

Chesnutt said the Lady Patriots are “making too many unforced errors right now,” and that the team is focusing on not beating itself. She was encouraged by their performance at Briarwood’s Serve Off Tournament over the weekend, and thought they played well enough to win four of the five matches played.

Homewood will have the chance to fine-tune its mistakes over the next several days.

“We’re actually off the rest of the week, so it’s a good time for practice,” Chesnutt said.

The Lady Patriots begin area play with a trip to Shades Valley next Tuesday.