PELHAM – Danville’s sixth-ranked volleyball team came up just short of making the Class 3A state finals, falling to No. 5 Montgomery Academy 3-2 (22-25, 25-14, 25-22, 23-25, 15-12).

The two teams were matched pretty evenly throughout the match as the teams put on a showcase of competitive volleyball. Both team played though long rallies, some lasting more than a minute or two, as they battled each and every point.

Danville was in control for more of the first game, leading by as many as seven points, but the Lady Eagles battled back to tie the match at 18. From there, Megan Luker, Sydni Shelton and Jesse Oliver all had kills to help Danville take a 24-22 lead. Jada Callahan ended the game on a kill against MA.

Montgomery Academy took control of the second game taking a 21-13 lead. The Lady Eagles then won four of the next five points to take the second game and even the match.

The third game was had Danville taking an early 12-9 lead before Montgomery Academy surged ahead 22-15. Danville cut the lead to 23-22 thanks to some MA errors, an ace by Haley Rae Garnett and a kill from Hannah McClung. But MA hung on to take the game 25-22, including a kill that hit the line on the final point.

The fourth game was one of the most competitive game the Lady Hawks faced all year. While Danville held the lead most of the game, the lead was never larger than four points. Danville put the game away with three Shelton kills.

Neither team could string together many consecutive points, but Montgomery Academy did just enough as they won the final game 15-12.

The Lady Hawks ended their season with a record of 40-28.