Goodrich made quick work of archrival Leggett at home Tuesday, sweeping the Lady Pirates 25-11, 25-19 and 25-22.
Goodrich started strong with a 6-0 opening, then cruised to a 20-4 lead before Leggett rallied late to make the score more respectable.
In the second set, the Lady Pirates were within two at 14-12 before the Lady Hornets went on a run to win by six.
Many of Goodrich coach Pinellafie Johnson's junior varsity started the third game. Leggett established a 10-4 lead before Lady Hornet starters entered again. Still, the Lady Pirates fought hard, holding a 14-10 lead midway through. It wasn't until 20-20 that the Lady Hornets would tie and eventually take the lead for good.
"We have had our ups and downs," Leggett coach Terri Barlow said. "We played pretty good in here; we have to close it out and cut back on some of our mistakes.
"On certain days we have different ones standing out. It is between Rilee Carline, Tamera Henderson, Cheyanne Simons and Hannah Hodge (for who has stood out the past few weeks). There are a number of them. We have improved a whole lot in everything since the beginning of the season. We do need to call the ball a little bit more."
Leggett has won just two games so far this year, but hopes to improve upon that record during district play.
Goodrich now improves to 1-1 in district.
"We got our serves over and did much better with them. They are still having problems communicating," Johnson said of her group. “You can't play a team — I don't care how strong or weak they are — if you are not communicating. We missed tons of balls just not talking out on the floor. We got the win, but there were still lots of things that we should have done right that we didn't."
Chester is 2-0, leading the district, while Richards is 1-0. Goodrich will challenge Richards Friday in a battle for second place.
"We can swing, but we won't swing,” Johnson said on improvements needed. “We work from the back row swinging and they do it in practice all the time, but they get in the game and they still won't jump and swing. They definitely have to work on that.
"When we played Chester, we did outstanding with our defense. We lost, but they played well. I told them that if we could play like that and get our serves over, we will be at the top vying for first. All they need to do is keep playing and keep working hard. That is what I'm expecting on Friday when we go over there to Richards. I am expecting to take it."
Johnson bragged on her two setters, Liseidy Balbuena and Tanyreauna Criswell.
"They used to be so afraid, but they are getting more relaxed, even though we still need to work on getting it closer to the net. They did a much better job today and Friday. Tanyreauna did more hitting for me today than what she has done."
Goodrich will next play at home Tuesday, welcoming Chester. Leggett's next opponent will be Friday at home, also versus district leading Chester.
