SIOUX FALLS – Aberdeen Central struggled to find a steady rhythm and Sioux Falls Lincoln took advantage Tuesday night in a battle of two teams receiving votes in the latest Class AA volleyball poll. The Patriots swept Central by set scores of 25-18, 25-23, 25-15.

Despite the loss, there were some bright spots for the Golden Eagles, including a stellar serving night from Sawyer Bahr. Bahr recorded all six of Central’s aces on just 17 attempts. She also had five digs, an assist and was 5-for-5 on serve receptions, as well.

“Sawyer served very well for us,” said Central coach Jackie Bindenagel.

However, the Golden Eagles were not able to match that clean stat line at the net.

“We really struggled to find a rhythm,” Bindenagel said. “They served well and we seemed to be a step slow in many aspects of the game.”

Grace Kuch finished the night with 10 kills and three digs. Lauryn Burckhard had six kills, while Ayrlie Waldo finished with 17 assists and nine digs.

Central returns home to begin a four-match homestand Thursday, as the Golden Eagles play host to third-ranked Sioux Falls Washington.

Serving: Aberdeen Central 53-56 6 aces (Sawyer Bahr 16-17 6 aces).

Hitting: Aberdeen Central 56-75 23 kills (Grace Kuch 19-25 10 kills, Lauryn Burckhard 16-18 6 kills).

Setting: Aberdeen Central 69-73 24 assists (Ayrlie Waldo 47-48 17 assists).

Digs: Aberdeen Central 33 (Madison Miller 11, Waldo 9).

Blocks: Aberdeen Central 2 solo (Taryn Nieman 1, Ashley Wangler 1).