By Kenny Varner

WINGATE – It was a battle of two between two of the Mountain League’s premiere teams when Penns Valley traveled to play against Bald Eagle Area in volleyball.

Both teams battled strong throughout and despite the game going to just three sets, all went down to the wire in each game.

When the final point was served, Penns Valley took home the victory, 3-0 (25-23, 25-20, 25-18).

Despite being swept, the Eagles never found itself trailing by more than five points in the first two games.

“We did battle. Credit to them, they took advantage or a lot of our errors and got momentum,” said Bald Eagle coach Zach Rote. “They were able to work to their offense and they did a good job of capitalizing on it.”

In the first game, the two went right to work with Bald Eagle jumping out to a quick 3-0, lead. Peightin Brownson notched two consecutive service points.

The two will exchange service points.

Trailing 4-2, Penns Valley tied the game, with strong front row pressure by the Rams provided a strong front row pressure, tying it at four. Picking up two service points was Julia Emel.

Bald Eagle took back the lead on service points by Alexis Frank.

The Rams again struck back, taking their first lead of the game on three consecutive service points by Maddie Butler, leading 8-7.

The two teams continued to exchange seven side outs.

Tied at 11, Bald Eagle notched two consecutive points with a spike by Gabrielle Perry and a Ava Stere direct shot into an open spot in the middle of the court.

With Bald Eagle leading 14-13 Penns Valley went on a scoring run with Ella Hadley taking strong shots from the frontline, helping her team to regain the lead at 17-14.

After exchanging side outs, Penns Valley got back on another run, thanks to three consecutive service points by Butler, distancing themselves from Bald Eagle, leading 21-16.

But the Lady Eagles would pound  their way back into the contest on service points by Olivia Boone.

The run would be helped along by the strong front play by Ava Stere, Mya Brooks and Leah Bryan.

Penns Valley was able to keep the service advantage down the stretch, taking the first set, 25-23.

“Hats off to Coach and the Bald Eagle team, they’re a heck of a team, said Penns Valley head coach Brad Baldwin. “We came to play and I’m glad they came to play. We’re excited and we’re finding our grove.  Great coaching staff. Couldn’t be happier.”

In the second set, it would be a mirror image as the first with Bald Eagle taking an early lead and keep things close down the stretch before the Rams would, muscle it out down the stretch, taking the 25-20 victory.

In the final set, the Lady Rams were able to use the second game momentum and build on it, as they put the end to the match, winning 25-18.

Penns Valley improves to 8-4 on the year.