ROYAL CITY — Royal lost in three games to Connell and Burbank last week in SCAC high school volleyball, but the girls continued to play better than recent Royal teams.

In a Pink Out match in support of breast cancer awareness on Tuesday, Connell defeated the Knights, 18-25, 19-25, 19-5.

“Very spirited and competitive play by the lady Knights,” coach Paul Olsufka said. “I always felt as if we were just one hit or great play away from getting over the hill to get victory.”

Olsufka credited Ashley Valley with a “good night all around.” She served 16-17 with three aces and contributed three kills.

Taylor Freeman had 8-8 serving and three kills, Lindsey Small went 7-8 serving with one ace, eight kills and one block, Jacie Phillips served 9-10 with one ace, McDarra VonStein had four kills and two blocks for points, and Alyx Ziegler produced 14 assists.

“The girls have improved a lot throughout the season and continue to play tough in every game,” Olsufka said.

“There was great fan support at the Pink Out match, and we’d like to thank everyone who was there and donated to the cause,” Olsufka added.

On Thursday, the Knights took on league-leading Burbank and lost, 18-25, 10-25, 9-25, but played excellent volleyball again

Valle served 8-8 and had one assist, Phillips went 8-8 with 1 ace 1 kill, Small served 8-8 with one ace and six kills, and VonStein served 4-4 and scored six kills.

“Tough night against the top team in the league at their place, Olsufka said. “They were consistent throughout the contest. We had our moments, just out-matched for the night. The girls kept striving to make good things happen throughout but just could not match the Burbank effort.”