Vicksburg High and Provine played an ugly four-set volleyball match Tuesday night. Somehow, some way, the Missy Gators pulled the win out on their home court after dropping the first set to the Lady Rams 25-23, and winning the last three 25-23, 25-17, 25-20.

Coach Aimee Scribner said the game boiled down to her players showing heart after dropping the first set. The win for the Missy Gators (7-6, 4-4 Class II, Region 5) broke a three-match losing streak.

A number of things went wrong for the Missy Gators from serving, returning the ball over the net and keeping the ball in play.

“We’re starting to slack off a little bit, which I’m not really sure why. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s the end of the season and I know they’re getting kind of tired,” Scribner said. “We have to figure out a way to break that barrier and get them to what they’re supposed to be doing.”

In the past few games, Scribner has noticed the team’s serving power has cooled down.

The team’s power server Destiny Allen accumulated 21 aces in 36 sets played entering the Provine match, but she struggled getting the ball over the net, mainly in the second set. Her serve picked up in the third set and she redeemed herself by getting kills at the net and solid returns.

Elisha Howard has shown improvement throughout the season with her back row play keeping rallies alive. She was also a plus serving the ball.

Howard served two consecutive aces in the first set and a couple of non-returnable balls to end the third set. She earned kills on the 15th and 22nd points of the third set.

“I want to win and keep it in the black lines. I do my approach and get my serves over. I know if I really want something I’m going to go for it. I really plan on playing in the all-star game,” Howard said.

Scribner said she couldn’t complain about Howard’s ability to get power hits at the net, serve aces and get digs.

“She’s worked really hard to improve her back row hits and it’s one of the things she’s most excited about,” Scribner said. “Every day in practice it’s the first thing she wants to do.”

Maya Clay used her height to her advantage to secure the winning kills in the second and fourth sets.

Mikayla Banks also saved the serving game for the Missy Gators by adding 15 aces.

“Mikayla stepped up big time for us as far as being a leader and kind of helped with the slack we’ve been missing,” Scribner said.