Pender 2-2 in last four matches

The Pender Pendragons are 2-2 in their last four matches, losing 3-0 at Scribner-Snyder Monday night, and 3-2 at Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family Tuesday night, before downing Emerson-Hubbard 2-0 and Neligh-Oakdale 2-1 at the Emerson-Hubbard Triangular Thursday night.

The Trojans won set one 25-19, and sets two and three 25-22.

Pender was led by Hallie Ballinger, who posted 17 kills. Cecilee Jacobsen added 7.

The Pendragons dropped sets one and two to the Bulldogs, 25-18 and 25-16, before winning set three 26-24 and set four 25-21. Humphrey/Lindsay Holy Family prevailed in set five, 15-9.

Pender downed the Pirates 25-18 in the first set, and 25-9 in the second set.

The Pendragons defeated the Warriors 25-19 in set one, and 25-20 in set three. Neligh-Oakdale won set two 25-14.

The Scribner-Snyder loss appeared to have motivated and fueled this team. Pender has competed very well since that loss.

The Pendragons (7-8) take part in the Clarkson/Leigh Tournament on Saturday.

This tournament appears like it could be very competitive as there are a number of teams playing well right now.

With that said, I think Pender has just as good a chance as anyone to compete and advance in the winners bracket.

The Pendragons simply have to pick up where they left off against the Pirates and Warriors, and turn their recent success into even more success.

Ballinger and Jacobsen need to have good matches offensively for Pender, and the Pendragons can't afford to beat themselves.

Pender has to execute at a high level, and play well all day long.

The Pendragons have to try and be as consistent as possible, and do everything in their power to come out on top in every match.

Pender has to be focused and motivated to do well.

I think the Pendragons have a good chance to have success all day on Saturday, but it all goes back to coming ready to play and being consistent.

Pender has to serve, pass, hit, and serve receive well.

The Pendragons have to communicate on offense and defense, and be good judgers as to if balls are in or out.

Pender has to play smart, but aggressive Volleyball all day long.

The Pendragons have to give it everything they've got, and push and challenge each other to have success.

Pender has to be mentally and physically tough all day long as well.