The Alba-Golden Lady Panthers could not string together enough points at home last Tuesday to keep up with the Como-Pickton Lady Eagles, losing in straight sets, 25-15, 25-14, 25-12.

Despite occasional bright spots – serves by Erin Langston, kills by Lainey Teel – it was a lack of execution that Alba-Golden has previously shown themselves capable, particularly proper spacing, which kept the match out of reach. Additionally, across the net was a capable foe – too good to give away points on mental mistakes.

Head coach Jamie Webster shared they have, “been working to get to a point of consistency.  Obviously we aren’t there yet, but I know it’s going to happen.”

After dropping the first five points, the Lady Panthers clawed back within two at 10-8, before the Lady Eagles took over the match. Down 19-11, Alba-Golden won four consecutive points, which would be its best stretch of the night.

Service errors plagued the Lady Panthers early in the second set. They surrendered the first four points, then trailed 12-3 quickly. Como-Pickton coasted to the 11-point win.

A couple solid hits by Teel saw Alba-Golden gain its first lead to open the third set, 2-0. The Lady Eagles caught them at three apiece, then hit the gas pedal for a 7-3 lead and cruised to a 13-point finishing margin.

Though they were being beaten, the Lady Panthers didn’t show defeatist attitudes.

Regardless of a down game, Webster knows, “we can play better and I know that we are better than that performance,” and refuses to let giving up enter into the equation.

Alba-Golden will need to muster some resolve on their five-game road stretch, which began in Cumby last Friday with a four-set victory and continued Tuesday at North Hopkins, before heading to Fruitvale Friday.