The Alba-Golden Lady Panthers fell to the Gary Lady Bobcats (25-23, 25-14, 25-20) in the area playoff round Tuesday at Chapel Hill. The match turned on the Lady Bobcats’ ability to play more error-free volleyball over a three-game stretch. 

Game one featured excellent offensive volleyball by both sides. The Lady Panthers played with the same determination and aggression which they demonstrated in their bi-district championship game. The opening game was close with 11 ties throughout. 

Center blocker Kalli Wright had a great start and contributed nine points at the net. Autumn Whitten also made a strong contribution in game one. During one furious exchange late in the game, Whitten made three consecutive blocks.

Down 19-22, Wright evened the score at 22 with two emphatic kills and a drop shot. Two Lady Panther service errors, however, gave Gary game one. 

There was a feeling in the gymnasium at Chapel Hill that Alba-Golden had given Gary its best shot in the initial game. The Lady Bobcats carried much momentum into game two, and it showed. They untracked their explosive offense and made runs of four and six points. 

Two kills by Cacie Lennon and a block by Whitten stopped the Gary scoring, but it was not enough. Adrenalin may have gotten the best of the Lady Panthers as they began to consistently overcook their scoring attempts. The Lady Bobcats closed out game two on a five-point run.

Alba-Golden led early in game three, but Gary scratched back into the game and tied the score at 13. The Lady Panthers produced offensive scores, even late in game three, but could not string points together. Gary pulled away to prevail by five points and take the area trophy.

The Lady Panthers provided examples of excellent play throughout the match, but it was sporadic. Too many unforced errors against a quality side like Gary was too much to overcome. Yet, the season was an unqualified success. The volleyball program tasted success and in the future will be more aware of the playoff challenges which come with it.