Goodrich was taken to the limit in a home game Tuesday with Spurger, prevailing 17-25, 25-17, 25-13, 25-27 and 15-8.
The Lady Hornet program has more players out than in recent years and a new coach that says the girls are enjoying their time on the volleyball court.
Spurger rushed out to an 11-4 lead in the opener that would be enough to go up 1-0.
Goodrich answered with a 4-1 lead early in the second set. They would remain ahead throughout to even the match.
Again, Goodrich took an early lead, this time at 6-3 in the third set. Tanyreauna Criswell served several consecutive aces to help put Goodrich in front 16-5. Aaliyah Wright provided a few kills on spikes Spurger could not handle. The Lady Hornets would be in front by as much as 12 for the set.
“They really are (having fun). I mean, you could just tell tonight,” Goodrich coach Ashlan Stafford said. “They had smiles on their faces and when they are making mistakes, they were still changing and still adjusting.”
This is the first year Stafford has coached. Goodrich made a hire near the beginning of summer that was not able to fulfill her contract, and Stafford had already volunteered to help.
“I've played sports all my life and I wanted to get back into it,” Stafford said. “This was the way to do it, and this is my first solo gig.”
Spurger started the fourth set on a 4-0 run, and extended it early to as much as six at 10-4. The Lady Hornets, however, would come back to tie it at 12, largely on Criswell's serves. The two teams fought to a tie at 22 and Spurger would finally win it with their 27th point, forcing a fifth set to 15.
There, Goodrich started well with a 6-1 lead. That would become more at 12-3 with Criswell again giving the Lady Pirates fits with her serves.
The win was the second for Goodrich on the young season. The coach has a dozen athletes on the roster, which is nearly double when compared to the previous few years.
“It is just a lot of encouragement, a lot of positivity, and letting them know that we are here for them no matter what,” Stafford said of getting more girls out to play. “We have seen it in the students, and we have seen it in the turnout. We are up to 45 kids in athletics, so that is a great turnout.
“It is going good. There are a lot of adjustments and a lot of new girls this season. I couldn't say better things about what I see of my girls this season. There is a lot of progress already. They fought hard tonight and that is all I can ask of them. I am proud of them.”
The coach attended school in the area, part of athletic programs at Big Sandy and Livingston. She is teaching social studies in high school and eighth grade.
“Last year, I had sixth through 12th in history. This year, they took some off me so I could coach. I am enjoying it, and I am loving it.”
The coach said Wright has stood out for her athleticism and height. Criswell was complimented for her serves and being scrappy on the court. Liseidy Balbuena was also said to be making a positive impact.
Next week, the Lady Hornets travel to Kennard and Corrigan-Camden. Their next home match is scheduled for Sept. 23 versus Chester.
