FAIRHOPE — In a match that saw the score tied 14 times, the Lady Pirates managed a three game sweep with five, four and three-point margins over visiting Foley in their 6A Area 3 matchup winning 25-20, 25-21, 25-23.

The Lions were forced to play without three-year standout Lisa Alms whose shoulder injury will require surgery, sidelining her the rest of her senior year.

Fairhope coach Jessica Webb said she expected better play from her team, especially with the Lions' veteran hitter/blocker on the bench.

"It wasn't our best game, but I'm glad we figured out a way to win," she said. "We were fortunate that Foley was missing one of their best players and made a lot of errors. We will have to play better if we want to win some games next week."

The first game saw Fairhope pull away early, but the Lions roared back to tie and midway into the game Webb called a "secret" time out pulling her players into the gym hallway. When asked what she said, the coach just smiled and said, "It's a secret." The Lady Pirates scored the next two points but Foley tied it up again at 20-20 before Fairhope scored the last five points for the win.

"I don't know what she told them in that back room," said Foley coach Chad Anderson. "But I think it was the turning point of the whole match. They came back out more focused and we seemed to lose some momentum. I'm going to have to get room like that."

Despite the early set back and the loss of Alms, Anderson saw some of what he's been hoping for.

"I saw some fire. I saw some passion. That's what we need. Megan (Haber) and Hannah (Younce) showed some leadership out there. I mean, before the third game I heard them say everything that needed to be said and that's what I've been looking for. They have the itch to win and I know they're ready to and now that we don't have Lisa out there, they are going to have to step up even more."

Anderson said the loss of Alms is simply huge.

"You lose 16 to 18 kills a game not to mention all the blocks, digs and serves. She's all over the court. It's going to be a big adjustment, but I'm proud of the way they are all looking at this as another challenge. She still has a future at the college level and we just want her to get well and take it as far as she wants to."

Former Foley volleyball coach Christy Nall said Alms has several colleges interested. "If she goes ahead and has the surgery and then gets ready in time for spring club ball, I'm sure she will be playing somewhere next fall."

Alms is sad, but upbeat after the diagnosis.

"I want to play," she said. "I hate not being out there, but I could be at risk of tearing it more and doing even more damage if I keep playing. And that could make me have a longer and harder rehab and recovery."

Along with fellow senior and co-captain Younce, Alms is now keeping stats and encouraging her teammates as much as she can. "I just want to be here. I'm still a part of this team," she said.

"She really does have the heart of a lion, " Nall said. "And she'll be back."