The Knights opened up a 12-8 lead in the opening game, but the Hornets battled back and eventually posted a 25-22 win. Eisenhower jumped out to an 18-9 lead in the second game and would go on to win 25-17, but Hickory took over in game three, winning 25-9 to take a 2-1 lead heading into game four.

Unfortunately for the Knights, the Hornets were able to make some shots just drop over the net as they slowly built a lead. Eisenhower, behind back-to-back spikes by junior Paisley Lawson, brought the Knights to within a point at 17-16, but Hickory was able to pull away and get the win 25-20 and win the match 3-1.

Eisenhower was led by Lawson, who had 18 kills, nine digs and two receptions. Layla Edwards had nine kills and one ace; Peyton Matson had three kills, two blocks and one ace; Rachel Lucks had two kills and four digs; Riley Robinault had four blocks; Lainey Font had 10 digs and 10 receptions; Lexi Pascuzzi had 14 assists, five digs and one ace; Meredith Smyth added four digs and eight receptions; and Alanna Byrd had 15 assists, six receptions and one block.

Eisenhower, which finishes the season 11-7, will lose some talent and experience to graduation, but head coach Lori Pascuzzi is excited for the future of the program.

Times Observer Photo by Steve Younger Eisenhower’s Lainey Font returns a volley during Tuesday’s District 10 opening-round volleyball match at Franklin High School.

“I’m looking forward to our younger players that will be moving up and into the program,” she said. “We will miss this year’s seniors certainly, but I’m optimistic about the future.”

Eisenhower had several players on this year’s team who contributed to their success and that was not lost on Pascuzzi.

“Overall, I thought we had a good year. You never want to see it end, but I think with players merging into the program and some learning new positions, the girls worked well together and worked through the challenges.”