A sluggish start proved too much for the Lehman Lobos to weather Tuesday as they fell to the Akins Eagles in a 13-25, 10-25, 25-23, 20-25 district opening loss at the Lobo Den.

But the fight Lehman displayed in the final two sets, which included the program’s first set win in eight district matches, gave head coach Karen Young confidence in the amount of progression made so far this season.

“It’s a great thing for the girls. It’s an eye opener that they can do it, and it&rs...