Scott City VB fight through adversity after Dig For Life

The Dig For Life Tournament, an event so big that it takes two days and three locations, serves as an inflection point for the seasons of many teams.

"I think we are a stronger team after having played through the Dig For Life," Scott City coach Cidny Henry said.

For the Scott City Rams, a team looking for their third straight 20-win season, the tournament opened the door for adversity to creep in for a crucial point of the season.

"We've been facing a lot of adversity coming off a hard weekend with a lot of injuries coming back home," Henry said.

The Rams went 2-1-2 in the Dig For Life tournament but entered this week having to figure out a new rotation during the past two games with mixed results.

The Rams defeated Kennett in four sets (16-25, 25-13, 25-11, 25-19) thanks to Maggie Jones leading the way with 14 kills. Alyssa Dirden and Addison Hillman also added eight more kills of their own.

"[Jones] definitely stepped in and played a huge role," Henry said. "Maggie is a great hitter. She's a great attacker but this is her first game she's led us."

The Rams struggled against Bernie on Tuesday, losing in four sets (25-18, 25-18, 21-25, 25-14) after tying with the Mules in the Dig For Life Tournament.

Alyssa Dirden led the offensive attack with 17 kills, with Maggie Jones following up her impressive Monday with 10 kills and eight more coming from Makenna Gentry.

Ramsey Spinks has been a rock for the Rams as their primary setter. She set the table with 33 assists against Kennett and also 14 digs against Bernie.

"Ramsey provides us with a ton of consistency," Henry said. "We know what we're getting with her. So as long as our defenders do what they're supposed to do, their job is controlling the passes. We've got consistency with Ramsey. The hitters know exactly where she's gonna put it up for them to attack."

Scott City next hosts Cape Central (5-5-1), playing at 6:30 p.m. on Monday in Scott City, Mo.

"I think that if we just keep working together, keep communicating and we just be a team, we'll be fine," Spinks said.