The Catamounts (12-4, 9-4 Tri-9), who had won just one conference game in their first three seasons, have a better record than anyone in the Tri-Nine except for perennial powers Apex and Green Hope.

Panther Creek is in a battle with Cary for third place. The Imps (9-6, 8-5) trail the Catamounts by just one (conference) game with three to play, and the teams will meet on the final day of the regular season.

Athens (6-11, 4-9), who played Panther Creek much harder the second time around, can still qualify for the post season but will need help. Five teams from the Tri-Nine will qualify for the playoffs, and the Jaguars are a game behind fifth-place Middle Creek.

The Jaguars, who were beaten by the Catamounts 3-0 earlier in the season, looked as if they might struggle in the rematch.

Panther Creek easily won the first game 25-17 behind the dominant play of senior Jill Edwards, who posted seven kills in the game, and were cruising again midway through the second.

However, Camden Spade and Kate Carlton helped the Jaguars go on a 15-6 run to even the match with a 25-19 victory. The Athens duo combined for eight kills in the game.

The third game was a battle.

Athens erased a 12-6 deficit and scored ten unanswered points to lead Panther Creek 16-12. Cori Smith led the way with her serving and Caroline Campbell controlled the net.

“Today the girls played a lot better defensively than the first time we met them,” said Athens coach Angela Coticchio. “We did a great job blocking at the net.”

Still, with the Catamounts trailing by a point, Edwards delivered a ferocious spike to tie the score at 21-21.

Callen Farringer later put Athens ahead 24-22 with a block. With their backs to the wall, the Catamounts looked to their senior leader to pull them through, and Edwards more than delivered. Panther Creek scored the final four points, as Edwards finished off the Jaguars with two serving aces to help the Catamounts pull off the 26-24 come from behind win.

Panther Creek again came from behind in the fourth game, capitalizing on a 15-5 run, to capture the match and seal their first playoff appearance with a 25-20 win.

Panther Creek head coach Bonnie O’Connor praised all the Catamount players for their resiliency and their contributions to the victory.

“Last year we would never have been able to come back like that,” said O’Connor. “We have five sophomores playing, and our senior setter (Katherine Wu) was out with an ankle injury.

“These girls are hard workers, and I’m really happy with the way we played defense, passed the ball, and really came together as a team.”