MOOSEHEART, IL - It was hard to predict how Mooseheart's volleyball team would fare in the Thursday, Aug. 30 season opener with Alden-Hebron.

But Ramblers coach Cindy Klimczyk was certain of the manner in which her team would compete.

``We had a talk (Wednesday) and I told them that it was the first time I'd seen them play with such heart and tenacity,`` Klimczyk said. ``I wasn't sure how we'd do (Thursday.) But I was absolutely certain they'd play with tenacity and heart.``

At key moments, those traits surfaced and buoyed the Ramblers (1-0) , who defeated Alden-Hebron 26-24, 25-19 at the Mooseheart Fieldhouse.

One of the keys to a scrambling victory for the Ramblers was their floor play. Through a number of long rallies, Mooseheart managed to keep the ball off the floor, putting pressure on the Giants not to make mistakes. That persistence was rewarded many times.

``The one thing that really surprised me, especially in the second game, was the back row play,`` Klimczyk said. ``I saw players coming back from last year, like Jessica Vasquez, who have totally grown as a player from last year.``

Senior Carmen Avila provided a vocal presence on the court whenever the match became tight, such as the 24-24 tie from which the Ramblers jumped to take the first game victory.

``She's always had that ability,`` Klimczyk said. ``I expected it from her, as she's a senior. I'm grateful she came and showed us that today.``

Mooseheart jumped to a lead in the second game and keep Alden-Hebron at bay through a series of attempted comebacks.

``For us to not have to go to a third game was awesome,`` Klimczyk said.