DAYTON -- Each at the top of their league, the Bulldogs and Tigerscots clashed Tuesday in a match that was more playoff preparation than victory for the Dayton team.

The Bulldogs, who fell victim to its own inconsistent focus, lost in four against the Weston-McEwen team.

"We had a lot of highs and lows," Bulldogs head coach Shannon Turner said. "They need to learn to focus. But this was good competition. I think the last time we beat them was in 2006 and that was the year they were state champs."

The Tigerscots won the first game 16-25, but the dogs came roaring back 25-10 in the second only to lose the third and fourth 19-25 each.

"When we play well, we play really well," Shannon said about the second game rout.

Tigerscots head coach Shawn White said he was impressed with the Bulldogs, saying he welcomed playing a good team. Weston-McEwen's main advantage was its larger number of hitters, giving the team more options at the net.

"The Bulldogs play a tough game," he said. "There's a reason they're at the top of their league."

But the Tigerscots too are a team to beat, which its undefeated league record of 10-0 and overall record of 20-5.

The Bulldogs have just two league games left, one against DeSales at home Thursday and one against Tri Cities Prep away on Tuesday.

Nicole Lambert, who had organized Dig Pink Night as a senior project for breast cancer awareness month Tuesday, topped the scoring with 18/18 serving, 23 digs and 5 kills. McKayla Bickelhaupt served 17/20, had 17 kills and 15 digs. Jessica Tate served 12/13 and registered 17 digs. Courtney Mings logged 5 kills, 6 blocks and 9 digs. Darci Hall and Chelsea Woolldridge had 13 and 11 assists respectively.