The Soddy Daisy Lady Trojans might not know how to act if they ever get to play another volleyball match at home.

They lost a heartbreaking district battle at Ooltewah on Tuesday, but they bounced back to defeat arch-rival Red Bank Wednesday at Susan Ingram Thurman Gymnasium.

Athletic competition between Soddy Daisy and Red Bank is always competitive and most always close.

That was certainly the case on the volleyball court where the Lady Trojans prevailed in four games.

Soddy Daisy won the first game 25-20 before Red Bank bounced back to win the second, 25-19.

Soddy Daisy maintained the upper hand with a convincing 25-17 verdict in the third game before taking the decisive fourth game by a 29-27 margin.

Both teams lost several key players from last year's teams and both coaches like to point out just how young and inexperienced they are, but Wednesday's match was a dandy.

Granted, both teams made more than their share of silly mistakes where they didn't communicate, but there was no shortage of effort and emotion when these two proud teams squared off.

Soddy Daisy coach Lorri Johnson can get as excited as anyone over a close match.

She was happy with the effort her team displayed in Tuesday's loss at Ootlewah. She was even happier with more of the same at Red Bank on Wednesday.

"It was good to come out on top for a change," Johnson said, her team now 16-7 overall.

"We're doing okay. I thought we played well for the most part, but we still had our share of flat moments.

"I guess the key was having the determination to finish that fourth game. It could have gone either way.

"This is no longer a district match, but we still like to have bragging rights. That's the second time we've beaten them this year," Johnson added.

Susan Thurman is filling in for Red Bank coach Crystal Brooks, who just had a baby on Aug. 30.

Thurman was the Red Bank coach for 25 years before Brooks took over two years ago. She's never happy with a loss, but she saw some good things from the Lady Lions.

"We're always disappointed with a loss, but I was extremely pleased with the effort. I think we're headed in the right direction," Thurman said.

"I hate losing to Soddy Daisy as much as anyone, but they have a great team this year. They did a good job of keying on Kalyn (Helton).

Red Bank lost at least six seniors from last year's state championship team. It's been a learning process with new players in new roles, but good things are happening for the girls in blue.

"I was especially happy with our passing as it all fell together. Ansley (Helton) and Holly (Brotton) both played well on the back row.

"And what about MiShannon Wilbanks? This is her first year to ever play the sport, but she gets better every time she steps on the court," Thurman praised.

Both of these teams are blessed with talented players, including some really hard hitters on the front line.

Red Bank's Kalyn Helton has already committed to Tennessee. Her talent is widely documented.

Soddy Daisy counters with Hayli Raines, who may be the most underrated player in Chattanooga.

Raines was a force throughout the match and finished the day with 22 kills, 18 digs and two blocks.

Helton countered with 20 kills, 22 digs and one ace.

Kelsey Nunley, perhaps better known for her softball ability, also knows volleyball and she was a major factor in Wednesday's win with 24 digs and 13 kills.

Rachel Shaughnessy finished with a dozen kills and 10 blocks while Megan Ware had 33 digs.

Olivia Holden and Sarah Davis had 27 and 24 assists, respectively, for the Lady Trojans, but Cassidy Hackey came off the bench when Davis was hurt and finished with 14 assists in that all-important fourth game.

While Helton was the leader for Red Bank, Amy Metcalf was credited with 21 assists, 17 digs and an ace.

Ansley Helton added 26 digs and two aces while Holly Brotton had 23 digs and an ace. Savannah Nelson had several key plays and finished with seven kills, eight digs and one block.

Red Bank, now 10-7 overall, travels to East Ridge on Thursday while Soddy Daisy goes to Rhea County on Thursday before going to the Brentwood Invitational this weekend.

(Email John Hunt at tnmoose2002@aol.com)