Area volleyball teams' sectional runs ended on Thursday night in the semifinals.
The No. 1 seed in Division IV, Mira Monte, had high hopes following a historic season for the Lady Lions, but they fell to No. 4 seed Immanuel in the semifinal, 3-1. The Eagles topped the Lions 25-10, 25-23, 22-25, 25-21.
An emotional loss for a team that had exceeded all expectations and made their second-year coach very proud.
"There’s not a dry eye over there on that team right now. I mean, I told them I'll take a loss any day as long as I get to coach these girls," Long said after huddling up for the final time with her team.
In D-I semifinals, No. 3 seed Liberty fell in three-straight sets while fourth-seeded Garces was swept by the top seed in Division I, Central-Fresno.
And in Division II, No. 3 seed Bakersfield Christian battled back but would eventually lose El Diamante in five sets.
In Division V, No. 2 seed Frazier Mountain fell to Selma.
