By DREW GRANTHUM/Sports Writer

HARPERSVILLE — Despite a strong effort, the Coosa Valley Rebels volleyball team fell at home to Eastwood Christian Oct. 3, 3-1.

In the first set, the Rebels were able to jump out to a 4-1 lead, but the Warriors were able to climb back into contention, tying the game at 7-7. The two teams swapped the lead twice, but Eastwood used a 9-0 run to take control of the match. The Rebels were never able to overcome the deficit, as they fell 25-15.

Whatever troubles befell CVA in the first set were gone in the second, as the Rebels raced out to a 15-6 lead.   The Warriors went on a 6-0 run, pulling within three. It would be of no matter, as CVA used a 10-5 run late to take a 25-17 set win.

Coosa Valley rode the momentum of the second set into the third, starting off with a 10-5 lead. Eastwood then went on a 10-0 run, tying the game at 15. Eastwood didn’t stop there, going on a 10-2 run to close out the set, 25-17, and gain a 2-1 advantage in the match.

Despite the tough loss, CVA again started out strong in the fourth set, 4-0. Eastwood worked its way back into it, tying the game at 5-5. The two squads battled back and forth throughout the rest of the set, tying seven more times before the Warriors grabbed a 22-21 lead. Eastwood never relinquished the lead, taking a 25-22 win in the set, and the 3-1 match win.

It wasn’t the team hoped for on the scoreboard, but CVA head coach Jamie Gill said she was proud of what she saw from her squad.

“I feel like we’re peaking at the right time,” she said. “That’s the best match we’ve played all year. Eastwood’s got a great team. I think we fought as hard as we could. I’m looking forward to regionals.”

Ally Craft led CVA with six kills and five aces, awhile Hope Myrick had four kills and seven digs, Sarah Warren had 13 assists and Kaylan Rich had four blocks.