Ava Bears (Ava, MO) backers were pleased Thursday as they witnessed their volleyball team overcome the host Sparta Trojans (Sparta, MO), 3-0 in a non-league challenge.

The Bears (1-1) will now prepare for their challenge against Hollister (Hollister, MO). The Tigers go into the Class 3 District 11 test with a 2-1 record. In their last test, Hollister went down by Spokane (Spokane, MO), 3-1, in a non-league test.

The Trojans now sport a 0-4 record. They put it on the line next when they host Spokane for a non-league outing on Tuesday, September 9. Sparta will play a Owls team coming off a 3-1 non-league win over Hollister (Hollister, MO). The Owls record now stands at 4-2.