For a match that only went three sets, Tuesday’s nondistrict competition between Abilene High and Wichita Falls Rider was a deceptively competitive one. But despite a resilient performance that saw the hosts put forth a game effort throughout, the Lady Eagles could never quite seize the momentum in a 27-25, 25-18, 25-21 loss at Eagle Gym.

Playing from behind for most of the match, AHS never let the visiting Lady Raiders run away with things — even when it looked as though Rider was poised to take control.

But ultimately, the Lady Eagles weren’t quite as crisp in their execution as the visitors, and that proved to be the difference in the sweep.