Aberdeen Central racked up 22 aces in a volleyball sweep at Golden Eagles Arena Tuesday night.

Central controlled the match from to start to finish on the way to a 25-9, 25-11, 25-11 Eastern South Dakota Conference victory over Pierre.

The Golden Eagles used aggressive serving, strong communication and consistent execution to earn the sweep.

Central coach Jackie Bindenagel said serving was a major focus heading into the match, and the team delivered by placing the ball in difficult spots and taking advantage of gaps in Pierre’s defense.

“We really wanted to serve well tonight and we did that. Hit a lot of seams. We had a lot of kids execute the game plan so that was a positive for us,” Bindenagel said. “I thought our setters made some really good decisions, our hitters hit some different shots, and from the service line we put the ball where we wanted.”

Julia Malsam led the service attack and finished with 13 aces.

“I said this is crazy, I didn’t realize how many aces I had until my friends were like make it 10,” Miller said, “and I was so confused.”

Malsam said the team’s communication and ability to play together helped build confidence as the Golden Eagles continued to make big plays.

“I think we were talking really well and playing well together. I feel like our serving all around was good and our connections hitting as well,” Malsam said. “I feel like when we have a lot of big plays like that and everything is going our way it helps everyone become confident.”

The Golden Eagles also showed strong connections between their setters and hitters, allowing them to keep the offense moving and maintain control throughout all three sets.

“I think we had a better tempo than them,” said Central senior Kyley Wirebaugh. “Obviously, we knew we had to come in and focus; that was one of the words on our board tonight and I think we did that.”

Wirebaugh said the win was important for the Golden Eagles, who struggled a bit near the end of the season. It gives the squad momentum for its match at Watertown on Monday.

“We just really needed a win after we kind of had some rough losses throughout the year,” Wirebaugh said, “but I think going into Watertown we are going to have a long week of practice here, and we will be able to put our best foot forward and hopefully get a win.”

Lauryn Burckhard finished with nine kills and four aces for Central, which improved to 15-9 on the season. Malsam added 14 digs to go along with her ace total.

The Golden Eagles will conclude the regular season by hosting Sioux Falls Roosevelt on Tuesday at Golden Eagles Arena.

Serving: Aberdeen Central 22 aces (Julia Malsam 13, Lauryn Burckhard 4, Camryn Albrecht 2, Alivia Miller 2, Kalli Huff 2).

Hitting: Aberdeen Central 25 kills (Burckhard 9, Miller 5, Kyley Wirebaugh 3, Kendyl Fischer 3, Karile Nieman 3).

Setting: Aberdeen Central 20 assists (Albrecht 10, Miller 9, Huff 1).

Digs: Aberdeen Central 49 (Malsam 14, Miller 10, Lauryn Burckhard 8, Huff 8).

Records: Pierre 2-16; Aberdeen Central 15-9.