HOBGOOD – A battle of top five teams took place here Tuesday afternoon.

North Carolina Independent School Athletic Association fourth-ranked Hobgood Academy met second-rated Lawrence Academy in a four-set thriller to determine first place in the Tarheel Independent Conference.

The result was a key TIC volleyball victory for the Lady Warriors as they handed Hobgood their first loss of the season and improved their own spotless mark to 10-0.

“This was an epic match of two unbeaten teams,” said Lawrence Academy Head Volleyball Coach Dr. Ed Clouse. “Neither team ran off more than three points except on two occasions.

“This match went back-and-forth with each team leading in each game,” he added. “Both teams fought hard and we were lucky enough to have the momentum at the end of the match.”

Lawrence lost the first game 25-20, but bounced back to win 25-20, 25-23 and 25-22.

Ashtyn Mizelle had a solid afternoon with nine kills, eight digs and four aces while Ashton Lyle recorded six blocks, five kills, four digs and four aces.

Casey Belch was excellent serving the volleyball with 20 service points. She added seven digs and two kills. Jennifer White checked in with six digs, four blocks and two kills.

Taylor Sexton had 16 assists during the afternoon with five aces while Melissa White had four digs and two kills.

The victory pushes Lawrence Academy to 10-0 overall and 4-0 in the Tarheel Independent Conference. They will host Pungo Christian Academy today (Thursday) at 4 p.m.