One play rarely makes that big a difference in a match like the one the Bo-scobel volleyball team had on Thursday.
But, with the Bulldogs tied 2-2 in games Thursday with Riverdale and up 9-6 in the fifth and deciding frame, there was a moment where a split-second decision turned the tide.
"We played a ball that was out and shanked it, and so, instead of being up 10-6 and serving, it was 9-7, they were serving and they had all the momentum," said Boscobel coach Jeff Ostheimer.
From there, the Chieftains took care of business, win-ning 25-22, 20-25, 27-29, 25-15, and 15-9 to nip the Bulldogs in a tight SWAL conference battle.
Perhaps deflated by the loss, Boscobel returned to action on Tuesday and fell 3-0 to Darlington again in SWAL play.
The two dual match losses leave Boscobel winless on the season.
It was a back-and-forth affair between the two SWAL rivals and the Bulldogs, playing at home, had their best chance of the year to come away with a win.
"We were in a position to win," said Ostheimer. "We just couldn't close it out."
Bri Wagner had a big night for Boscobel, slamming 14 kills and doling out 12 assists on the night.
Allison Krogen delivered 12 assists and four aces, while Nicole Pegram had two blocks and Kelsey Trumm came up with six digs.
For Riverdale, Sam Kienitz and Jaide Johnson combined for 22 kills, while Kienitz added eight aces and eight digs. Libby Kienitz had nine digs.
Redbirds fly high
Playing Darlington close in all three games, Boscobel made too many mistakes to overcome the Redbirds at their house.
"We went down there and didn't play well," said Os-theimer. "We had 42 un-forced errors out of 75 points. You're not going to win when you make that many mistakes."
Pegram had a strong overall game, with six kills, one block and four aces. Wagner blasted eight kills and had six assists, while Krogen had 11 assists to lead Boscobel in that department.
Beth Imhoff had five digs, and Hillary Loomis chipped in with a block for the Bulldogs, who travel to Iowa-Grant on Tuesday.