The Phoenix volleyball team is closing in on returning to its winning ways. 

After a strong start to the season in a tournament at Redding, the Pirates dropped matches to Eagle Point and North Valley last week. Tuesday night they visited Sutherlin where they won a pair of close sets and lost a couple by large margins before being edged 15-13 in the fifth set by the host Bulldogs.

Phoenix connected on 95 percent of its serves on the night at Sutherlin. 

Ariah Potts had 14 digs and six kills, Seneca Ikemire added four kills and two blocks and Isha Van Ness came up with 12 digs but Phoenix fell short despite serving 95% for the match.

The Pirates won the opening set 26-24 before falling 25-13 and 25-18. The bounced back to win the fourth set 27-25 before falling in the fifth. 

Phoenix (3-3) got strong outings from freshmen Lily Quintero (12 assists, five kills, two aces), Breea Potts (10 assists, three kills, six digs), Etta Allen (four kills, two blocks) and Maezy Thornton (four kills). Sophomore Adrianna Flores also had 12 digs.

Phoenix returns to action Wednesday at St. Mary's.