SPRINGFIELD —  Reduced to an occasional flicker a couple of weeks ago, the competitive fire inside Effingham County’s volleyball team is burning brightly again.

The Lady Rebels gave it all they had in a loss to Region 2-AAAAAA rival Richmond Hill on Thursday.  They were on the verge of victory before the Lady Wildcats rallied for seven straight points to prevail 25-19, 15-25 and 25-23.

Effingham County didn’t play nearly as well against Richmond Hill in their previous meeting. Reeling because of the disappointment caused by a rash of injuries — including a season-ending one to libero Andrea Garcia — the Lady Rebels were swept as they allowed numerous balls to hit the floor without going after them vigorously. 

That were no cases of that Thursday.

“That is the positive thing that we can take from this,” Effingham County coach Brittany Lein said. 

Following the previous loss to Richmond Hill, Lein said all-out effort  would be the key to turning things around.  That message appears to have gotten through to her players.

“I saw a huge difference,” Lein said. “I saw a huge difference in aggressiveness. I saw a huge difference in passion, desire and togetherness.

“We’ve had some really good practices. The attitudes have been a lot better, a little more positive.”

See the Sept. 19 edition of the Effingham Herald for more details.