PIERRE - The Pierre volleyball team surged to a opening night sweep of ESD foe Yankton on Friday at T.F. Riggs Gymnasium.

The Lady Govs overcame a scrappy Gazelles squad 25-21, 25-21 and 25-17 in the best-of-five match.

"The girls came out strong from the beginning," said Pierre coach Kacy Kienholz. "We hit a lull in the second game but picked it up in the third. It helps to have that experience of winning last year. It makes a big difference."

Pierre is coming off its most successful season ever, taking fifth place at the 2006 state tournament. Returning veterans include seniors Bethany Goeden, Gina Geffre, Ali Burchill and Polly Gill and junior Steph Paluch. New contributers include junior outside hitter Jenna Lancaster and sophomore setter Amanda Stout.

"They did really well for us tonight," said Kienholz. "The girls all went to camp this summer, which helped them get to know each other. To beat a good team in three shows a lot."

Yankton gave Pierre a battle in all three contests. The score was 22-20 in favor of the home team before the Lady Govs took a 1-0 advantage by scoring three of the next four points. Two of the Pierre points came off long hits from the Gazelles. Goeden got the game-winner when her hit went off a Yankton defender.

"We were really fired up for them," said Goeden, who is also the No. 1 tennis player for the Lady Govs. "We hope our momentum (from last year) can carry us to do even better this year."

Game two was even closer until the end with Pierre nursing a 22-21 late lead. Stout got the game winner with a serving ace.

The Lady Govs were in command for most of game three. With the score 14-13 in Pierre's favor, the Lady Govs scored six straight points for a decisive 20-13 lead. Yankton would get no closer than four points the rest of the way.