WESTSIDE - Gravette played Huntsville, a nonconference opponent, Monday in Gravette, with Huntsville winning the match 3-0. Gravette battled the first set, coming up just short 24-26. Huntsville took control and won the next two sets 19-25 and 16-25.

On Tuesday night, the Lady Lions returned to conference play and Prairie Grove came to town ready to play.

Gravette came out strong and dominated the first set 25-13. But, the Lady Tigers came roaring back in the second set, winning 25-20. The third set was back and forth,with Gravette pulling it out 26-24. Prairie Grove evened things up winning the fourth set 25-18. In the fifth and decisive set, Prairie Grove out-battled the Lady Lions earning a fi fth set victory 15-11.

Gravette falls to 5-3 in conference play and 5-6 over all.

Gravette was to travel to Berryville on Tuesday (after press time) to play the Lady Bobcats. The next home match will be Thursday against Lincoln.

Gentry Splits

A little further south, Berryville beat Gentry 3-0, with set scores of 25-20, 25-14 and 25-18.

Gentry came back on Thursday to beat Lincoln3-0, with scores of 27-25, 25-19 and 25-18.

“It wasn’t our best game of the season as far as us clicking on all cylinders, but we battled through and made plays when we needed to, which allowed us to gut out a win against a much improved Lincoln team,” said Gentry’s coach, Daren Ward.

“Senior Jordan Olds stepped up in a big way on defense, leading us in digs as well as in the huddle,” Ward added. “It’s always nice to have someone to count on with that kind of leadership, and Jordan and fellow senior, Sierra Smith, have been great all year in that category, which is what you expect from your team captains.”

News, Pages 9 on 10/09/2013