However, that was anything but the case in Thursday’s county battle between the Eisenhower Knights and Youngsville Eagles at a steamy Eisenhower High School.

The Knights won game one by a nine-point margin (25-16) before both games two and three went down to the wire with the hosts winning both, 25-23 and 25-21.

The Knights put together runs of five or more straight points on three different occasions in the opening-game win. Eisenhower jumped out to a 5-0 advantage before Youngsville rallied to tie the game at 9-9 before Ike took control.

The Lady Eagles led 14-10 in game two before Paisley Lawson ripped off seven consecutive service points to put the Knights back ahead. Youngsville refused to go away, and later tied the game at 23-23 before the Knights scored the last two points of the game — the final one on a questionable carry call.

Times Observer Photo by Steve Younger Youngsville’s Marli Rectenwald dives to make a return during Thursday’s volleyball match at Eisenhower High School.

Much like game two, Youngsville led for the early stages of game three.

The Red and White led 8-2 early before Marissa Gourley clicked off eight straight service points to put Eisenhower back ahead. The game was tied as late as 21-21 before the Knights closed out the match with four consecutive points.

Gourley had five kills and five aces for the Knights while Lawson also had a strong night serving with three aces and 10 service points. Alanna Byrd added a pair of kills for the winners.

Youngsville was led by the seven kills and three aces of Riley Robinault. Madilynn Johnson added eight assists, Rachael Lucks six digs and Alyssa Gentz five digs for the Lady Eagles.

Ike also won the junior varsity contest, 25-18, 25-22. Payton Elms and Navaeh Bimber had strong service games for the Knights while Shay Reilly had three aces and Maci Benton four assists to pace Youngsville.

Eisenhower returns to action Saturday in Slippery Rock while Youngsville opens its home schedule Tuesday against Seneca.