In a sweltering gym desperately lacking air conditioning, Coach Alyssa Hallice was imploring her Tabernacle Christian volleyball team during their match Monday at Mountain View Baptist.

“Come on, ladies, we need this side-out,” she implored, as her young, small squad was losing to an even smaller team that had only six players — just enough to put on the court.

It wasn’t working, though, as the Torches battled with haphazard passing, miscommunication and some dubious calls from the officials in a 25-14, 25-21, 25-14 loss to the Eagles.

“It’s been difficult, but we are  improving every game,” said Hallice, herself a former player for Tabernacle. “We have three seniors and one junior, with only one returning from last year. But hey, we didn’t win at all last year, so we’re already improving.”

Indeed, the Torches’ 3-7 record so far is much better than the winless season they experienced in 2009.

“Right now, we’re trying to build confidence as well as skills We’re doing basic Volleyball 101 here,” Hallice said.

And on occasion, Hallice would see a flash of success. As the match wore on, full-fledged plays would develop, and the front line would even get in an honest-to-goodness block or two.

“It’s frustrating. I’m trying to convince them they deserve to win, and to build their self-esteem,” Hallice said,

Elizabeth Osbourne and Hannah Freeman had two kills each for the Torches, and Jesen Salyers added three service aces.