Ariton proved too much for the Charles Henderson varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams Tuesday evening, as both squads lost matches to the Purple Cats.

The JV team lost 19-25, 25-23 and 8-15; the varsity team, 22-25, 21-25 and 14-25.

The varsity Trojans were led by Lindsay Fox who had nine points and two kills. Alexis Blair finished with six points, while Ashley Elder finished with three. Elizabeth Watson finished the match with two kills.

“(This) match was probably our most soundly fundamental match that we have played so far,” said Trojan head coach Jennifer Sikes. “The difference in the game was missed passes. We didn’t have many scoring errors but our missed passes are what really got us.”

Sikes said both squads are improving and continue to work toward the season-ending stretch and playoffs.

“We are just getting ready for the end of the year. That is what our goal is,” Sikes said. “We are getting progressively better each week, and we want to be able to show off what we have done when it counts.”

Sikes said the teams’ willingness to work hard is evident.

“This group of girls is here to work. We have been putting in some extra time in the gym by coming in on the weekends to practice,” Sikes said. “They are realizing what their mistakes are, and they are able to explain what their mistakes are. We are able to work on those particular things in practice. … This is a good group of ladies who are willing to go further this year than we have in a long time.”

The JV continues to improve in every match.

“They played in a tournament last weekend and they were really distraught at themselves because they knew they could have played better,” Sikes said.

Both the JV and varsity Trojans will travel to Enterprise on Monday in a tri-match with Enterprise and Providence. The JV will start at 4:30 with the varsity to follow.