Wesclin made a visit to Sparta High School for the season opener for both volleyball teams and handed the Lady Bulldogs their first loss of the season, dominating 25-15, 25-10.
“We are just so inexperienced in some key spots that it makes it pretty tough when you play against a very talented team like Wesclin,” said Sparta coach Roger Gerlach. “We did not do a very good job of passing the ball, but sometimes that’s because they were pretty effective hitting it at us.  All phases of our game got exposed tonight but we will improve.”
Sparta passed at a .9 clip while getting only 11 kills in the two set match.  The Lady Bulldogs only got off 24 serves on the evening and were 23 for 24.  Jessica Robinson, a senior out for the first year, led the hitting attack with four kills while freshman Gabby Gallois added two kills in her first match at the high school level.  Jamie Woodworth was graded out on 27 passes and led the pass offense with a 1.4 grade.  Melissa Renner had five assists on the night.
“Really they came in and took control of the net early and we didn’t have an answer,” added Gerlach. “They are a fine team and for us to be able to compete against that type of competition, we have to play better in all areas of our game.”
Sparta gets right back into action Saturday at the conference tourney hosted this year by Herrin High School.  Sparta will start play with a 10 a.m. match against Massac County followed by noon and 1 p.m. matches with Pinckneyville and Benton.