PLAINS – The cross county volleyball rivalry between the Trotters of Plains and the Lady Savage Heat of Hot Springs was on full display in Plains on Tuesday. It would take Plains all five games to defeat the ladies from Hot Springs in a thrilling match that went down to the wire.

The Trotters were down in the first game but managed to battle back behind strong offensive performances from Kimberley Earhart and Nicole Rehbein. Felicia Earhart provided solid setting for the Trotters who managed to come back and tie the game 26 to 26. Plains went on to win 29 to 27.

The Lady Savage Heat took an early lead in the second game pushing the margin to 19 to 6. Blistering spikes from Rosa Dolson and Alex Green provided an offensive onslaught that momentarily drove back the Trotters. The ladies from Plains quickly gathered their composure and fought back with the help of some pinpoint accurate serving from Kimberley Earhart.

The lead from the Lady Savage Heat was too much for Plains as the team from Hot Springs evened things up at a game apiece taking the second round 25 to 16.

The third game stayed close with the teams neck and neck until Plains broke away late for a win scoring 25 to 21. The two games to one advantage was aided by the on court leadership of Felicia Earhart.

Hot Springs rebounded taking the fourth game from Plains tying up the series and setting the stage for a decisive game five.

Despite a valiant effort by the Lady Savage Heat, the Trotters were able to hold them off winning game five and the match.

Hot Springs would fare better later in the week against Charlo defeating them three games to two behind strong showings from the Schmiedbauer twins Laurel and Meara. The Lady Savage Heat will next face Noxon.

“We went back to the basics,” said Hot Springs Head Coach Alisha Pablo. “We need to improve our communication on the court and have solid serving.”

Plains came up with a split decision during a recent double-header at home. The Trotters easily dispatched Troy but lost to Deer Lodge three games to one. Plains will next face Thompson Falls.