The Sigourney Savages barely came up short in a thrilling conference volleyball match Thursday, falling at Belle Plaine in five sets. Every part of the match seemed to live on a razor’s edge, with Belle Plaine winning the first set 29-27 and Sigourney taking the second 26-24.

The Plainswomen won the third 25-11, but the Savages edged out a victory in the fourth frame 25-21. The decisive fifth set was back-and-forth all the way, but Belle Plaine ultimately defeated Sigourney by the slimmest of margins, 17-15.

There were plenty of excellent performances for the Savages in an excellent effort. Senior outside hitter Amiya Smallwood had 10 kills and led the team with five serving aces and 25 digs. Junior hitter Josephine Moore put up 14 kills, two aces and 24 digs, while senior setter Ava Fineran added two kills and six digs to the 30 assists she handed out.

Sigourney suffers its first loss of the season in the South Iowa Cedar League and are now 8-5 overall. The Savages will be back in action Monday night at home against English Valleys.