South Effingham’s volleyball team won two of their three matches in an Area 3-AAA play date on Saturday, but head volleyball coach Eric Harris said the team has some catching up to do if it wants to be on top.

South Effingham started the day defeating Burke County, 25-15, 25-23. Next, the team couldn’t top perennial Area 3-AAA champion St. Vincent’s Academy, losing in straight sets 25-20, 25-19. The Lady Mustangs finished the day, defeating Liberty County 25-23, 25-17.

Harris said the 10 a.m. start time and the previous night’s football game, where South Effingham defeated rival Effingham County, may have played a role in the team’s performance.

South Effingham was sharp in the first game, passing well and dominating Burke County 25-15. However, the Lady Mustangs seemed fatigued in the second game, narrowly edging the Lady Bears 25-23.

“They were tired,” Harris said about his team. “When you’re tired, you don’t bend your knees, you stand up straight and you’re not as quick to the ball. We just have to toughen up and be ready to play.”

Top performers for the Lady Mustangs included Alyssa Cave, who had three kills and four aces, Tiffany Dean with three kills, Missy Ray with four kills and Olivia Meeks with six digs.

In the loss to St. Vincent’s, the Lady Mustangs had a difficult time receiving the Saints’ serves.

“We didn’t look real good. We did not pass well and passing is the key to this game,” Harris said. “They (SVA) served us very tough and we couldn’t handle it. We gave up a lot of bad passes and bad passes lead to bad sets and that leads to no kills.”

Top Lady Mustang performers included Dean with three aces, Crissy Ray with four digs, Missy Ray with three kills and Meeks with four digs and three kills.

Harris, however, said his team would work hard in practice to correct mistakes. Ultimately, however, improvement comes down to facing difficult competition.

The Lady Mustangs will more than likely see some good competition Saturday when they host the South Effingham Invitational.

Liberty County, which has vastly improved from last season, had the Lady Mustangs on the ropes in the first game. The Lady Panthers kept it close and trailed 24-23 when South Effingham senior Missy Ray decided to put the Lady Panthers away with a devastating kill.

Brittany Davis was outstanding for the Lady Mustangs, recording 10 digs and six aces. Paige Morgan also was impressive on defense, recording eight digs.

Saint Vincent’s swept the competition, defeating South Effingham, Burke County and Liberty County in straight sets.