Panther Valley has fought hard throughout the season and postseason, and the Panthers continued to fight hard in their District 11 2A championship match on Tuesday against Notre Dame Green Pond.

But Panther Valley wasn’t able to withstand the Crusaders constant barrage of power punches, which resulted in Notre Dame Green Pond claiming the district crown in four games, 20-25, 25-17, 25-10, 25-15.

As they usually do, the Panthers came out strong, landing some opening jabs on the Crusaders to take the first set, 25-20. A 7-1 start propelled PV to the early victory, with Riley McArdle coming through with three kills, while Emma Dacey got the fourth-seeded Panther Valley run started with multiple aces. Nine errors from the Crusaders also aided the Panthers in getting out to a 1-0 advantage.

“We came out with intensity, and we were very aggressive on the offensive end. Defensively, we also played very well in that first game. We did a pretty good job on (Carly) Campbell as well, which was key,” said Panther Valley head coach Emilie Baker.

“Then, I think Campbell just really stepped up her game, and defensively we didn’t do as good as a job on her. They also made some nice adjustments defensively and any time we would attack Campbell, she was able to make the play defensively and then get the ball back to attack us.”

No. 3 seed Notre Dame went to its prize-fighter and knock-out artist in Campbell in the second and third sets to take a commanding 2-1 lead. A 7-1 start in the second set, and a 10-5 start in the third set in motion the Crusaders’ wins, and Campbell was almost unstoppable in both. The 6-0 junior middle hitter had five kills and two aces in the second set, and nine kills and one ace in the third.

For the second consecutive postseason game, Notre Dame found itself down 1-0, but was able to bounce back.

“I think we have battled some nerves over the last two games, and the girls have also kind of been feeling the other team out, but in that second set, we have been able to settle in and come back strong,” said Notre Dame head coach Sarah Wukitch. “I wish we wouldn’t get down 1-0, but I’m OK with it, if they’re going to come out and react with the stronger play the rest of the match.

“Carly was also great again tonight. The whole team really was. But Carly can do so much for us both on offense and defense, and she got going for us again and set the tone.”

The Panthers did their best to fight their way back into the match, battling to a 9-9 tie early, but a block from Campbell followed by back-to-back Campbell kills gave the Crusaders a three-point cushion, before they pulled away for a 25-15 Game 4 win and District 11 2A championship gold.

“I’m still so proud of my kids. I can never say one thing about their effort and dedication to the sport,” said Baker. “This group is always working hard, getting in the gym and working in (the) offseason to get better. This is an experience we can build off and take into the offseason and come back even stronger next season.”

STAT IMPACT

… Campbell led the way for Notre Dame with 22 kills and six aces. For Panther Valley, McArdle had 11 kills and 22 digs. Natalie Vermillion added 10 kills and 20 digs, while Morgan Orsulak added 16 assists, 11 digs and four kills.