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FIFE LAKE -It was hot and humid inside the Forest Area High School gymasium for the Warriors girls volleyball matchup against Ski Valley Conference foe Bellaire last Tuesday night, Sept. 18.

But the Warriors brought some serious heat of their own, exhibiting a lot of high octane energy despite the sweltering conditions to sweep the Eagles and extend their unbeaten streak in the conference.

But the young Warriors have had trouble closing the deal once they take a big lead on opponents. It happened again against the Eagles, whom they had rocking back on their heels in all three games only to let them rally to make it close.

Still, the Warriors never let the Eagles catch them. They led from start to finish in all three games.

The Warriors jumped out to a quick 4-1 lead on the Eagles in the first game of the match, only to founder at that point. The Eagles rallied to cut the margin to 9-7.

It would remain close the rest of the way. Forest Area managed to stay ahead of the Eagles, though, and finished with a 25-21 victory after game one.

Game two followed the same pattern, as the Warriors rolled out to an 11-1 lead and appeared on the verge of turning it into a route. Again, the Eagles came back, eventually pulling to within 21-13 before the Warriors finally took a 25-13 win.

Forest Area's energy started to wane in the third game, and the Eagles were able to stay close. But the Warriors led from start to finish in a 25-14 win.

"We brought some energy tonight," coach Stremlow said. "It was hot in the gym, and we were hot. Our young kids came ready to play tonight." Dani Orr had a big night at the net, leading the Warriors with 7 kills. Katie Hodges was 23-of-24 serving with four aces, and also passed the ball well up to the setters.

Chelsea Snyder trigged the Warriors defense with 4 digs and performed well in the front row with 3 kills. Kassie Magee finished the match with 7 digs, 5 kills and was 8-of-8 serving with 3 aces.

"I thought it was Dani's and Kassie's best games of the season so far," coach Stremlow said. "They really played with some great energy out there."

Mazie Johnson, Kayla Helsel and Chelsee Strine all played outstanding floor games for the Warriors.

Forest Area also won the junior varsity match, 3-0 (25-2, 25-9, 15-6).

Ashley Czuk was 6-of-6 serving and had 4 kills. Addie Dutton was 1o-of-10 serving and Camille Tornow was 14-of-15 serving and played a great floor game for coach Susie Greter.

The Warriors improved to 3-0 in the conference, and bumped their overall record to 9-8-2. They were to host Onaway in a matchup of conference undefeateds on Tuesday.

After that, the Warriors are at Mancelona on Tuesday, Oct. 2 and travel to Pellston on Oct. 9 in two big league matches.