The Maroon Tide volleyball squad has been competitive in every game they’ve played, but the team is still struggling to turn those close games into wins.

The team’s most recent opponent was Pass Christian, and while the squad had the lead at times, they were unable to secure the victory.

Head Coach Courtney Dickens said the team didn’t play poorly, but her athletes’ serving was not on point.

“We got beat the last set 25-21, but we served 10 balls out,” Dickens said.

“We’re not doing a good job of serving under pressure.”

There was one player who was the exception, Jordyn Hall.

Dickens said Hall was crucial in keeping the sets close with her serving.

“She brought us from behind in all three sets, and was able to get us back in the game,” Dickens said. “Her serving was phenomenal, and I’m hoping she keeps it up.”

She wasn’t the only key player for the Maroon Tide as they battled against Pass Christian. Dickens said Sarah Stockstill contributed in key ways on the defensive end, along with Aliciana Carter and Kyla Harris who got in on the action with a couple of blocks.

The team has been steadily improving, and Dickens said even without the wins the players can see the progression they’ve made.

“I bring out the scores from last year so they can see the improvement, and I think that helps them see we have gotten better,” Dickens said.

“With the drastic change from last year to this year it’s hard to describe to people how much they’ve improved.”

That improvement comes from time spent in the gym working on the game and all of its intricacies.

Dickens said each of her athletes have incredible work ethic, and that dedication has led to the team’s stark improvement from last year.

“They put in a lot of work and time,” Dickens said.

“I can teach them how to play and the rules, but I really have to give credit to them because they come in every day wanting to get better.”

The team hasn’t even played half of this season’s games, and has already bested its win total from last year. However, Dickens said her players can’t become complacent just because they’ve won more games this year than last year.

She wants them to still be hungry, and still want to add to the win column.

“We’re looking to keep getting better, and I told them ‘Don’t be satisfied with 3 wins,’” Dickens said.

“We’re not going to be satisfied with just one more win than last year.”

The Maroon Tide hosted Stone County Thursday in the Picayune Memorial High School gymnasium.

Dickens has high expectations for her team, and she’s hoping the players are holding themselves to the same standards.

“I really can’t say anything less than that I’m expecting us to come out with a win,” Dickens said. “We didn’t play well against them last time, and we had a different rotation last time.”