It seemed like a long time coming following close losses to O’Fallon, Nashville and Murphysboro, but the Sparta Lady Bulldogs got that first home court win of the year to improve their overall record to 3-6, downing Marissa 25-15, 25-16 Wednesday.
“It may have not been as smooth as we would have liked, but still we are very pleased with the win,” said Sparta coach Roger Gerlach. “We have been steadily getting better.”
Sparta was led offensively by Rachel Peck with eight kills while Erica Gallois and Julian Sroka added six and four respectively.  Emma Koester added 18 assists.
In the first set, Marissa-Coulterville jumped to an early lead off of a couple of  errors as the Lady Bulldogs fell behind 5-1.  Sparta tied the score at 8-8 before taking the lead for good at 11-10. Sparta then outscored the Lady Meteors14-5 down the stretch for the 25-15 first set win.  In set two, Sparta held a 7-6 lead before extending it out to 20-13 cruising to the 25-16 second set and match win.
“I think we are getting to the regular season part of our schedule and we need to make sure we come to the gym every night with the focus we need to be able to compete at a high level every match,” Gerlach continued.
Sparta will next be in action on the road at Steeleville Monday, September 14 and at Du Quoin Tuesday, September 15 before returning to Fulton Gym to face Anna Jonesboro Thursday, September 17.