By Sam Parsons

A highly anticipated battle of two area schools lived up to its billing last night as the Oskaloosa Indians and the 2A #3 Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont Rockets went the distance in a 5-setter.

The Rockets were strong out of the gate, taking control of the first set and leading 20-13 before the Indians were able to claw their way back into the set, ultimately coming up just short, with the Rockets taking it 25-23. The second set favored the Rockets as well, as they won it more convincingly, 25-19, and appeared poised to secure the sweep and keep rolling through their season.

However, the Indians would not admit defeat; they fought back and won a back-and-forth third set to get on the board, 25-23. The fourth set went similarly and the Indians were able to tie it up at 2-2 with another 25-23 win before moving on to the pivotal 5th set.

Neither team was ever in firm control of the fifth set as it was a truly tightly contested affair, going to an extra point, but with the Indians up 15-14, a perfectly placed serve from senior Maleah Walker went untouched for an ace and the Indians were able to complete the comeback victory 3-2.

Oskaloosa (12-8) will turn around and play again tonight against Pella Christian. Pregame coverage begins at 7pm on KBOE.

#3 Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont (18-4) is back on the road tonight at Albia.