The NorthWood volleyball team came about as close as you possibly can to making it to the 3A State Finals without actually doing so.

The Panthers lost a 5 set thriller to Angola, falling in the decisive set 15-11 in the SemiState Championship game at Plymouth. NorthWood defeated New Castle earlier in the day Saturday in semifinal round of SemiState.

The other Sports Michiana area teams competed in Semi-State on Saturday, all losing in the semifinal matchups. Penn fell to Hamilton Southeastern 3-0 in 4A, Jimtown lost to Woodlan 3-0 in 2A and Culver Community went 5 sets with South Newton before seeing its season end with a 3-2 defeat.