STURGIS - Volleyball coaches often cite "intensity" as the key to winning matches. Tuesday's Rapid City Central-Sturgis showdown was a perfect example.

The visiting Cobblers recorded a three-game sweep and improved to 3-4 on the season. Scores were 25-20, 25-20, 25-15.

"We came out wanting to win tonight," Central head coach Leslie Weber said. "That really helped us push through."

The first-year Central coach said solid defense followed the team's intensity. Weber added that the passing was excellent, and that helped the setters and hitters get going.

Sturgis took the early lead in the first game, but Central stayed within striking distance. Action featured nine ties, with the last coming at 19-all.

Caitlin Templeton recorded a kill to give Central a 21-19 edge. Kristen Quasney served an ace to stretch the margin to 22-19.

Sturgis got no closer than two points.

The Cobblers led throughout most of the second game. Sturgis used a three-point spurt to stay within

21-19.

Quasney served an ace to give the Cobblers a bit more breathing room, at 24-19. Middle blocker Kattie Ranta tipped the ball into Sturgis' side of the court for the game-winning point.

Ranta's two serving aces put Central ahead 3-1 in the third game.

Central stayed ahead the whole way and gradually built its edge to the final 10-point margin. Twelve of Sturgis' 15 points were scored on side outs or errant Cobbler serves.

Central is building its team in the early going, and Weber said that is a season-long process.

"I've been very impressed with the progress we've made over the last couple of weeks. Passing is looking like a strong point, she continued, and the defense has improved considerably."

The Scoopers' record fell to 0-3, but head coach Sharon Peterson said this was the best match they've played this season.

Rapid City's intensity posed a problem for Sturgis, according to Peterson. "It's always an intensity thing," she explained. "We were talking about that in the locker room. That's what we need to fix."

Sturgis does not play again until the weekend of Sept. 7-8, when it travels to Sioux Falls for the first round of East River-West River Greater Dakota Conference matches.