GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

LANSING | Although T.F. South lost Game 1 during its match with rival Marian Catholic Wednesday night, the Rebels won the momentum while doing so.

Trailing 24-20 in that game, the Rebels rallied off the next five points to erase what looked like a sure win for the Spartans. Even though the host Rebels weren't able to secure that game it paved the way for a 25-27, 25-21, 25-14 come-from-behind win.

The Rebels, now 3-0 this season, played with pride and purpose for the entire match and just seemed to want it a little more.

"That was an intense game and we wanted it on our home court," Rebels setter Jenni Farlow said after finishing with 23 assists. "We know a lot of girls on their team and it was a big game for us.

"We decorated the hallway today before school this morning and it was fun and exciting and it let everybody know this was coming."

It was in Game 2 that the Spartans (2-3) found out the Rebels weren't done coming for more. Trailing 15-8, the Rebels went on an 11-1 run behind three kills by Farlow and four unforced errors by the Spartans to take a 19-16 lead.

The Spartans showed some pride of their own, tying the game at 20, but a 5-1 run culminating with a game-ending kill by BreAnne Podgorski (team-high nine kills) forced a third game.

Tied 6-6 during that final game, the Rebels took the lead for good behind a 6-2 run sparked by two kills from Kalli Hill (seven kills).

"I think we played with intensity and the girls played a great match," Rebels coach Kim Sands said. "I'm very proud of them. Beating Marian is a very big win. They never get down; they just come right back."

The Spartans were led by Jackie Mitrovich and Ashley Eiland with six kills each.

"We came to play and we really wanted to beat them and this is a great rivalry," Spartans coach Marilyn Akey said. "(T.F. South) was on a roll and they played really smart tonight."