Pinecrest’s bid to gain a share of first place in the Southeastern Conference volleyball standings was denied by Scotland High in Laurinburg Tuesday evening.

The Patriots (17-2, 5-2 SEC) were defeated 25-20, 20-25, 25-22 and 25-21 as the Scots (16-0, 7-0) all but wrapped up their eighth regular season conference title in a row. The Scots have handed the Patriots their only two losses this season.

Felicia Painter led the visitors with 16 kills and four blocks. Setter Megan Thomas was credited with 34 assists. Caroline Pridgen had 22 kills for the Scots. The Pats entertain Purnell Swett in another conference match on Thursday.

The Pinecrest junior varsity team (11-4, 7-0) defeated Scotland for the second time this season, 18-25, 25-18 and 25-16.