The three matches this week for the Houston volleyball team had identical storylines: fall behind early, rally to pull even and ultimately fall just short.

The Lady Tigers dropped their third straight match in three sets on Thursday, this time a 25-21, 9-25, 25-19 decision at Ava.

Houston (5-9) lost in three sets Monday at Eminence and Tuesday against Cabool.

“We’ve been wearing ourselves out by digging a hole at the beginning of the game and then having to fight to get back out of it,” HHS coach Loran Richardson said. “We can’t do that and expect to win. Right now, that third set is a mental block for us.” 

Seniors Kennedy Campbell and Tara Stanton had seven kills apiece for Houston. Janae Huff and Alexis Choate had 12 and 11 assists, respectively. Melody Buse led the team with 20 digs. Kelly Hubbs had 12 and Choate added 11.

The Lady Tigers, who have lost four matches in a row after winning five straight, play Saturday in the Rolla tournament.

“It’s been a really tough week, going three sets all three games and now going into a tournament Saturday,” Richardson said. “Hopefully these girls can get some rest and get over this hump.”

JUNIOR VARSITY DEFEATED

The Houston JV volleyball team lost 25-11, 25-16 on the road Thursday at Ava. Lili Amick had three aces and Sarah Purcell and three blocks.

C TEAM SPLITS WITH AVA

Jordyn Lay and Destiny York had three kills apiece Thursday as the Houston C team split with Ava 25-20, 21-25.