The Austin volleyball team had some communication problems in a 25-16, 25-16, 25-23 loss at Mankato East Thursday.

The Packers (3-12 overall, 1-6 Big Nine) had a couple of players collide on multiple occasions and head coach Darica Schneider would’ve liked to see more talking on the court.

“We need more court chatter,” she said. “It keeps everyone focused.”

The Cougars (14-9 overall) rallied for nine straight points in the first and second games and they had a seven point run in the third game. Hallie Enderle served two of the rallies.

“We get stuck in a rut every once in a while and we couldn’t seem to get out of it,” Schneider said.

Austin played its best in the last game as it attacked the net.

“We had some nice blocking and when we where swinging hard, we usually got a kill,” Schneider said. “We’ve just got to be more aggressive.”

Austin was led by Robin Arjes, who had four kills, Bri Mayer had three kills and two blocks, Emily Weiss had three kills, Ashley Follmuth had 16 serve receives, Emily Majerus had two ace serves, Julia Wagner was 10-for-10 serving with nine digs, Jenny Soiney had eight digs, and Jenna Svoboda had nine assists.

The Packers are looking to raise some money for the Salvation Army when they host Mankato West Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Anyone who donates two canned items will receive free admission to the matches that night.

There will also be a competition involved in the donations. There will be four bins labeled C Squad, B Squad, JV and varsity. The squad that collects the most for the Salvation Army by pounds will earn an all-scrimmage practice with no conditioning.

The following items are currently in demand: canned milk, crackers, boxed potatoes or instant potatoes, canned potatoes, canned vegetables, canned corn, canned beans, canned pastas, packaged cookies, baking supplies, pancake mixes, and canned juices.