SIOUX FALLS – Aberdeen Central pushed fourth-rated Sioux Falls Washington, but at the end of the day came up just short in non-conference volleyball Saturday afternoon.

The Golden Eagles won the opening set, but could not get over the hump in any of the others in a 23-25, 25-16, 25-23, 25-21 setback.

“We were right there,” said Central coach Jackie Bindenagel. “Our kids played tough.”

Central had chances in both the third and fourth sets before the Warriors found a way to finish them off. The final set was tied at 21-21 before SFW scored the final four points of the match.

Despite the setback, Bindenagel saw a lot of positive things from her squad.

“Our defense did a great job playing a lot up off some great swings,” she said. “We served fairly aggressive and were able to keep them out of system.”

Central finished with 39 kills, led by eighth-grader Lauryn Burckhard with 11 and Grace Kuch with 10. Leah Gough contributed eight. The Eagles had five aces, one each from five different players.

Ayrlie Waldo had 34 set assists, while Sydney Evans had 23 digs and Anna Malchow 16.

Central is back in action on Tuesday night hosting Huron at 7 p.m. at Golden Eagles Arena.

Serving: Aberdeen Central 76-82 5 aces (Arylie Waldo 11-11 1 ace, Sawyer Bahr 12-14 1 ace, Madison Miller 18-19 1 ace, Grace Kuch 13-13 1 ace, Sydney Evans 15-17 1 ace).

Hitting: Aberdeen Central 114-133 39 kills (Lauryn Burckhard 29-35 11 kills, Kuch 31-34 10 kills, Leah Gough 25-29 8 kills).

Setting: Aberdeen Central 103-103 35 set assists (Waldo 98-98 34 assists).

Digs: Aberdeen Central 79 (Evans 23, Anna Malchow 16, Miller 12, Bahr 10).

Blocks: Aberdeen Central 3 solo 2 assists (Kuch 2 solo Taryn Nieman 1 solo 1 assist, Gough 1 assist).