Two different conclusions can be drawn from Jim Thorpe’s District 11 volleyball loss to Notre Dame-Green Pond on Thursday.

It’s the second year in a row that the Olympians got to the Class 2A semifinals and didn’t earn the chance to play for the title.

Or it’s the second year in a row Jim Thorpe made it as far as the semifinal match.

Thorpe coach Chris Fallabel likes the latter conclusion.

“Our girls built upon last year, and played great again this year,” he said, “To get this far with a very young team two years in a row is quite an accomplishment. We have set the foundation for another good run next year.”

Second-seeded Notre Dame broke a 2-2 tie in the first game of its 3-0 sweep and never trailed on their way to a 25-17 win.

Carly Campbell, a force at the net all night long for the Crusaders, displayed her multiple skills with kills, blocks, serves and a two-handed soft touch shot that often found open floor on Thorpe’s side of the net.

Down 13-8, JT’s Brianna Snisky’s block closed the gap to 15-11, but after that the third-seeded Olympians could get no closer than seven within the final 16 points scored in the game.

Thorpe - which swept Executive Education in the quarterfinals - had to battle from behind again in the second game as the Crusaders continued their power shots and strong defense at the net.

Trailing 9-4 with Campbell showing her dominance with kills and blocks, Snisky and Brooke Mitzen sparked a rally for the Olympians. Along with Kelsey Patton’s serve that resulted in a volleyed point, Thorpe tied the game at 12-12.

Minutes later, Maggie Hallihan served and a Snisky kill shot pushed the Olympians ahead, 14-13. After a pass from Brooke Scalley, Campbell tied the score when she dropped a two-hander between JT’s front and back lines. The Crusaders went on to outscore Thorpe, 10-5 to close out a 25-19 win and take a commanding two-game lead.

Game three produced similar results. Thorpe led once at 4-3, but couldn’t make a run to set the Crusaders back on their heels. With the score tied at 6-6, a five-point rally opened a lead and the Crusaders put their wheels in motion to advance to the district finals.

Give credit to the never-say-die Olympians. Behind 23-12, they rallied to score five of the last seven points.

Mitzen led Jim Thorpe with 10 kills and Patton added seven. Snisky, Hallihan, and Maura Malaska each had 10 assists. Hallihan had 10 digs, as did Olivia Calcano.

Fallabel summed up the loss in just a few words.

“We played well. They played better. Sometimes the ball doesn’t bounce your way,” he said.

SENIOR LAST DANCE … Jim Thorpe will graduate five seniors from this year’s roster in Allie Marciante, Priscilla Patton, Cassidy Pychinka, Olivia Calcano and all-time assist leader Maggy Hallihan. The group helped the Olympians win 20 games this year, and 39 over the past two seasons.

NEXT AT THE NET… Next season, Thorpe returns five starters: two seniors, one junior and two sophomores who hope to lead another run toward league and district titles.

TITLE MATCH… Notre Dame (23-9) will face Panther Valley (20-1) in the Class 2A championship Tuesday at Martz Hall at 5 p.m.