The Alba-Golden Lady Panthers’ season came to an end Tuesday night, Nov. 3, but not without a fight. Battling with Groveton to five sets in their area playoff matchup, the Lady Panthers showed the determination that carried them through the postseason before falling just short in a 19-17 deciding set.

Alba-Golden dropped the first two sets 21-25 and 25-27 but kept up the fight. The Lady Panthers rallied to win the third set 26-24 and followed with a 25-19 win in the fourth, forcing the fifth and deciding set. Groveton ultimately won the deciding set to advance.

One of the night’s most memorable moments came when Averi Stevenson struggled early in the match. Teammate and captain Jayla Sitar took a moment on the sideline to pray with Stevenson, offering encouragement before she returned to the court. Stevenson responded with a strong effort, contributing kills, blocks and digs.

The moment was a reminder that volleyball is about more than what happens on the scoreboard.

Senior Campbell Shrum helped lead the Lady Panthers with numerous kills and assists, while Faith Graham, Sadie Wright and Avery Haisten made important contributions, particularly at the net. Sitar also played a key role, making saves, keeping plays alive and encouraging her teammates.

Head coach Jamie Webster said this year’s team had plenty of talent but faced challenges with consistency, finishing games and developing the self-motivation needed to reach their potential.

A late-season victory over Hawkins proved to be an important turning point, Webster said. The win boosted the Lady Panthers’ confidence, and she saw a significant change in the team heading into the postseason.

She also stated that no two seasons are ever the same, with each group bringing its own personalities, challenges and strengths. Webster said the seniors always play an important role in setting the tone and finding ways to make their season unique.

“This team was not like any of the ones I have coached before,"  Webster said.

She said that the challenges this season pushed her to dig deeper as a coach to find a way to bring out the confidence and competitive fire in her players.

Team captain Jayla Sitar also reflected on the team’s growth, pointing to the Hawkins victory as a turning point that helped the players build confidence and chemistry heading into the postseason.

She said the seniors always find a way to set the tone and make their team stand out from previous years.

For Campbell Shrum, reaching the area round of the playoffs made her senior season one to remember.

“We worked hard all season, and I’m proud of how we finished,” Shrum said. “I feel like we played our best in that last game and left everything on the court.”

Shrum said she made lasting memories, grew as a person on and off the court and built friendships she will always appreciate.

Among her favorite memories were the competitive practice scrimmages, where teammates often took the games “a little too seriously” but always found a way to have fun.

Alba-Golden will return five players who will be next year’s seniors: Stevenson, Sitar, Wright, Maddy Moore and Graham.

Webster also reflected on the program’s continued postseason success, noting that Alba-Golden has qualified for the playoffs every season since the 2020-2021 season, when she coached during this reporter’s senior year.

The Lady Panthers finished the season with a 17-17 overall record and placed fourth in district with a 3-5 record.