A non conference volleyball bout took place in Packwood on Tuesday and the home Panthers of Pekin nabbed area bragging rights with a five set victory over Sigourney.

The entire match was tooth and nail with the Panthers emerging for a 29-27 win in set one only to have the Savages bounce back 25-19 in set two. The back and forth trend continued with Pekin taking the third 25-18 and Sigourney finding the equalizer in the fourth with a 25-20 triumph. The decisive fifth set was another tight one with the Panthers (2-2) on the good side of a 15-12 affair. Pekin’s Claire Roth had nine kills and Taylor Gambell dished out 18 assists.

Despite the loss, Sigourney Head Coach Steven Sattz was pleased with his group’s effort. “Right from the start this was a back and forth battle. This game is built on momentum and both teams definitely shared the momentum. It was a great match to be a part of. The one thing we took away from it is knowing how hard it is to sweep a team and close it out in five.”

The Savages are now 2-3 and gear up for a weekend tournament at English Valleys.