SURPRISE — Even after a long bus ride to the Valley, there was no fatigue for the Lady Tigers.

Telesis split a volleyball doubleheader with Surprise Imagine, taking the first match 18-25, 25-22, 25-23, 18-25, 15-8.

Imagine won the second match but not without the Lady Tigers again forcing a fifth game, 19-25, 23-25, 25-22, 25-21, 8-15.

“The girls showed their character in both winning and losing. The conducted themselves the way quality players should. I’m very proud of them,” said Telesis head coach Darren Carson.

After losing the first game of the first match, The Tigers (3-3) went to the basics. The key being the serve. By not committing unforced errors on the serve, they put pressure on Imagine (3-1) to play solid serve-receive. In the deciding game, Telesis was able to maintain composure during long rallies to score.

“We would turn a mistake into a point,” Carson said. “We maintained lots of energy and a positive attitude, even when they tied the match. I think that made the difference.”

The Tigers started the second match down two games but rather than fold up, Telesis rallied to take the next two and force another deciding game five. This time it was Imagine coming out on top.

“In both matches, I saw them come together as a team,” Carson said. “The girls fought hard and found their reserves to fight for a win. They grew a lot today, becoming more of a team.”

The Tigers are back in Phoenix Saturday for the Spike It! Charter Athletic Association volleyball tournament. That means another four games — at a minimum — in 48 hours.

“We look to be competitive,” Carson said. “We have a consistent starting six, we’ll bring four more and everyone will get in. Our season philosophy is to be competitive and win.”