Pike Liberal Arts might have lost a tough match to top-ranked Prattville Christian but they proved to themselves they can play with anyone.

“We have a good team,” head coach Mendy Avant said. “These girls gained a lot of confidence tonight.”

An undefeated Panther squad was pushed to five games for the first time this season before walking away victorious, 3-2.

Pike fell in the first game 24-26 before rebounding to take the next two 27-25, 25-16. PCS imposed their will in the final two frames 13-25, 12-15.

“We have proved we could play with the best teams in the state all season,” Avant said. “We just have to do the little things to pick up the win.”

Pike falls to 9-7 on the season with six of the losses coming to teams ranked sixth or better.

In the Prattville Christian match, Jaylan Reynolds had one of her best performances as a Patriot picking up 19 kills, 11 digs, four blocks, and three aces.

Kailee Taylor had 18 digs and four kills while Shelby Baggett added 21 digs and three assists.

Josie Fre turned in another solid stat line with 16 assists, eight digs, and two aces.

Ellie Barron finished with 27 digs and Carrley Tunstill picked up 13 digs ans 10 kills.

The Patriots will return to action Oct. 4 against Hooper on the road and then take on Crenshaw Christian in their final home match on Oct. 13.