CARY — Panther Creek's volleyball team enjoyed unprecedented success this year. After going 1-41 in the conference in the school's first three years of existence, the Catamounts turned it around with an 11-5 record in the Tri-Nine that landed them a home first round playoff game.

But it was little consolation to coach Bonnie O'Connor on Saturday night immediately following a 3-2 loss to Broughton. The Catamounts took the first two games, but did so with setter Andrea Dean, who was injured in the second game when she crashed into the bleachers head-first.

Dean sat out the next two games and made a brief appearance in the fifth, but the team's momentum had been lost. As P.C.'s passes got sloppier without Dean's services, Broughton stormed back to take the final three sets and win 20-25, 23-25, 25-19, 25-15 and 15-10.

“We didn't get the job done tonight. We'd never been in this situation before, we had one conference win in three years,” O'Connor said. “We made a lot of mistakes that we normally don't make, a lot of misserves at crucial points, our defense wasn't where it needed to be – it was just one of those nights.”

O'Connor will lose the services of her senior class – the first freshman class in school history – including do-it-all playmaker Jill Edwards. A threat to win points at the net or on the back line, Edwards was rarely subbed out in Panther Creek's closest contests.

“She's an incredible player. I think whoever gets her to play Division I, Division II will be lucky,” O'Connor said. “She's the best player I've ever coached. She has an intensity level you only dream of and she's an amazing hitter.”

The Catamount program took a giant step forward this season, and O'Connor hopes her team will remember that more than the way the year ended.

“I'm going to look at the big picture and say we went from one conference win in three years to 11-5,” O'Connor said.

Apex rolls on to second round

The Tri-Nine champion Cougars (20-3, 16-0) made quick work of their first-round opponent Northern Durham on Saturday. Apex closed the deal in three games to win.

In the next round of the NCHSAA 4-A playoffs, the Cougars once again hosted, this time against Enloe.

Green Hope holds serve at home

The Falcons used their first-round home court advantage to blow by Pembroke Swett High on Saturday in straight sets. On Tuesday, Green Hope (17-4, 14-2) faced off against Wake Forest-Rolesville after it upset Durham Riverside in the first round. .

Cary clipped by Enloe

The Lady Imps concluded their season with a first-round loss in straight sets to Enloe on Saturday.

Despite being one of the shortest teams in the conference, Cary held their own this season and finished 11-8 (10-6 Tri-Nine) to return to the playoffs again.

Coach Philip Goodloe will say goodbye to seven seniors on this year's team, now that the year is done.

Wakefield ends Middle Creek's season

After rallying in the last week of the regular season to earn the Tri-Nine's last playoff spot, Middle Creek (12-11, 7-9) was forced to face a tough first-round task at CAP-7 Conference champ Wakefield on Saturday.

The Lady Mustangs were ousted in three games.

Cary Academy finishes year unbeaten

The Lady Chargers won their conference tournament and finished the regular season with the state's best record at 28-0.

As a result, Cary Academy earned the No. 1 overall seed in the NCISSA 3-A playoffs and a first-round bye.

The Lady Chargers will play Friday at 9 a.m. in the state quaterfinals at Charlotte Latin School. Two wins on Friday would put the Chargers in the state championship game on Saturday.

Lady Knights get playoff bid

Cary Christian (16-6) earned a seven-seed in the NCISSA 2-A playoffs, which begins on Tuesday.

The Lady Knights will host Kerr-Vance Academy (15-8). With a win, Cary Christian would advance to the quarterfinals at the O'Neal School in Southern Pines.