By Cort Reynolds

ADA - The Ada volleyball team lost in three straight close sets to visiting power St. Henry Monday evening in a non-league bout between regional powers.

The Bulldogs (2-1) fell to the hard-hitting Redskins 25-13, 25-20, 25-21. SH improved to 3-1 with the victory.

Ada led 10-6 in set two and by 16-14 in the third game before losing both contests to late Redskin closing runs of 11-4 and 11-5, respectively.

Senior Melina Woods led Ada with 16 kills and 17 digs, but SH had too many weapons for the Bulldogs to contend with.

Senior setter Maddie Gossard passed out 14 assists, hit three kills and made three blocks. Sophomore Sidney Gossard served five aces while senior libero Olivia Alexander came up with 11 digs. Freshman Megan Light added four blocks.

"I thought we did an outstanding job; overall, I am very proud," said Ada head coach Melissa Gossard. "Last year they blew us away, (but) this year we were real competitive with them - especially the last two sets. I am very pleased.

"Olivia and Kaiti (Newland) did a very good job defensively," she continued. "Our blocking was not there, although Megan Light had a couple of nice blocks. Our setters did a nice job putting the ball up where it is needed.

"Maddie and Melina just have incredible chemistry."

The Bulldog reserves also lost to the Redskins.

Ada visits local arch-rival USV Tuesday, then entertains another top MAC power in Coldwater, on Thursday night. "Coldwater is at a higher level yet even from St. Henry," warned Gossard.