By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

The week of Sept. 10 marked a big week for the Helena Huskies varsity volleyball team as the Huskies faced two crucial tests to begin area play.

Helena faced rival Pelham on Tuesday, Sept. 11, and two days later faced another tough challenge as they made their way to Chelsea.

In the two area contests, Helena split the matches, falling to Pelham in straight sets 19-25, 20-25 and 14-25 but defeating Chelsea in four sets 13-25, 25-13, 25-22 and 25-14.

Against Pelham, Emma Johnson, Macy Lowery and PG Garrison all led Helena. Johnson finished with eight kills and nine digs, Lowery added seven kills and six digs and Garrison had six kills and 16 digs.

In the win against Chelsea, Helena fought back after losing the opening set 13-25 to get a huge victory on the road to move to 1-1 in area play.

Lowery finished with 10 kills as Johnson also had 10 kills and 25 digs. Also contributing in the win were Megan Fortson with five kills and two aces, Mia Johnson with three aces and Garrison with 34 digs.

Helena’s next area match will be at home against Calera on Thursday, Sept. 20.