The Russellville varsity volleyball team earned a couple of wins in recent action but also dropped two area matches.

Sept. 7 the Golden Tigers hosted the Lawrence County Red Devils and the Hamilton Aggies for a tri-match. The contest against LCHS was the first area match of the season for RHS, and the Lady Devils took the win 3-0 by scores of 25-19, 25-10 and 25-16. Russellville got the win over Hamilton in a non-area match.

Two days later, RHS hosted the Madison Academy Mustangs and the Haleyville Lions. MA took the area match 3-1 by scores of 25-20, 22-25, 25-8 and 25-17. The Golden Tigers bounced back later that evening and swept Haleyville 2-0 by scores of 25-15 and 25-21 to improve RHS’ record on the season to 8-7.

“The girls are improving,” said Russellville head coach Anna Lisa Jackson. “We’ve got a tougher schedule this year than we’ve had in the past, but they’ve met the challenge.”

The Russellville program is making progress, and Jackson said the seniors on the squad are an important factor.

“My six seniors have stepped up, and they have learned and adjusted,” Jackson said. “I’ve switched their positions around a little bit, and I’m really proud of them. They’ve grown and improved, and it’s almost like they haven’t been successful for so long that they’re struggling with finishing, but I think that will peak at the right time.”

Jackson is in her first year as varsity head coach at RHS, and she said she is looking to move the program in a positive direction.

“Our major area that we’re trying to improve is being more consistent,” she explained, “and being more mentally tough – and learning how to win instead of playing not to lose.”