Pella Christian will likely have to settle for a share of the Little Hawkeye Conference volleyball crown, after falling 3-1 in an intense battle on the court in Oskaloosa last night.

Lady Eagles’ head coach Cindy Nikkel said the Indians played a nearly flawless night, taking game one 25-19. Pella Christian rebounded in the second set to a 25-21 victory, but let the third game slip away 25-22 before Oskaloosa closed the door with a 25-20 win in game four.

Nikkel said Oskaloosa was one of the best teams they’d faced all season – presenting a number of challenges for her team with aggressive serving and a strong defense – while strong crowds for both teams made for a playoff atmosphere.

Lauren Jungling put together a solid night for Pella Christian, serving up five aces and dishing out 17 assists on offense. Outside hitter Jenna Horstman also had five aces and hammered home a team-best 18 kills. Jasmin Schelhaas and Tayler Stursma led the Lady Eagles’ defense with 13 digs apiece.

Pella Christian is now 19-4 overall and 5-1 in the Little Hawkeye Conference. The Lady Eagles are off until this coming Monday, when they host Eddyville-Blakesburg in their final regular season home match.