The New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva Panthers volleyball team couldn’t beat the Mankato East Cougars Monday for a second time this season, and lost 3-0 (25-11, 25-20, 25-16) in the Section 2AA quarterfinals.

“It was a tough match,” Panthers head coach Joe Kuechenmeister said. “We definitely didn’t play the way we would have liked.”

The Panthers finished 17-11 despite losing Junior standout Anna Schlaak to injury for part of the season, and the last-minute implementation of Kuechenmeister as coach.

“This (match) was not an indication of how our season went,” Kuechenmeister said. “We’ve had a lot of adversity. I’m proud of our seniors and the leadership they showed throughout the year.”

Kacie Phillips led the Panthers with eight set assists, four kills and eight digs.