Rusk volleyball season begins
Lady Eagles fall to Chapel Hill, beat J'ville
BY LELAND ACKER

Senior Lady Eagle Meagan Richey serves the ball during a recent volleyball match against the Jacksonville Maidens. Rusk defeated Jacksonville in five games. The Lady Eagles lost the first match of the season to Chapel Hill in four games. Rusk is 1-1 on the season. PHOTO: LYNN LITTLEJOHN

The Rusk Lady Eagles are looking to establish team chemistry as they faltered in the season opener to Chapel Hill on Aug. 14, then took five games to defeat Jacksonville on Aug. 17.

"We didn't come out victorious (against Chapel Hill) mainly because we had many new faces on the court," said Tiffany Cooksey, who is in her second season as head volleyball coach. "They just have not played together enough to get a feel for each other."

Rusk made 78 out of 90 serves. Jerri Hill scored 15 points in four games just from serving.

Rusk lost to Chapel Hill 21- 25, 22-25, 26-24 and 22-25.

Rusk defeated Jacksonville 25-15, 22-25, 25-17, 22-25, 15-13.

"This game got under my skin," coach Cooksey said. "We went from great, to not so great, to good, to bad, to okay, that'll do."

Jasmine Harris and Sierra Smith combined for six kills. Maci Choate and Hill combined for 23 service points.Sophomore Christa Adams served six points to win the match against the Maidens in game 5.

Rusk will play in the Bullard tournament Friday, before returning home to rematch Jacksonville on Aug. 28. Game time is 5 p.m.