RESERVE — Though last week’s volleyball game against Central Lafourche ended in a loss for the East St. John Lady Cats, head coach Halle Gayten felt the ignition of a fighting spirit that has largely been dimmed this season.

The Lady Cats entered the week at 1-7 and 0-5 in District, but Gayten said that doesn’t reflect recent gameplay.

“I saw a difference in their ability to push through when times were rough,” Gayten said. “We were playing smarter.”

Following a win against South Plaquemines in the first game of the season, the Lady Cats slipped into a rut. Discouragement has kept them trapped, according to Gayten.

“Winning will come with practice,” Gayten said. “They’ll get to the volleyball part. The attitude part isn’t something you can teach. They’re learning to put the pieces together and working on staying positive.”

The team is comprised mostly of juniors and underclassmen, Gayten said, meaning the girls are works in progress with plenty of time to grow.

“It will be the same team next year,” Gayten said. “We can improve in every aspect of our gameplay, but staying positive will help.”

The Lady Cats face Destrehan at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in Destrehan, seeking redemption from last month’s three-set (5-25, 9-25, 9-25) loss.

A pink game for breast cancer awareness is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Oct. 22 against Central Lafourche at home.