Two nights after an emotional five-set win over Marionville on Tuesday, the Lady Pirates returned to the court Thursday to face top-seeded New Covenant Academy in the district semifinals.

The seventh man - Crane's devoted home crowd - showed up again in full force. On Tuesday, the stands were packed with students in camo, and by Thursday, the theme had flipped to a full-on Luau night, complete with bright shirts and straw hats. The energy was just as strong, filling the gym with the same noise and excitement that carried the team earlier in the week.

But even with the crowd behind them, the Lady Pirates couldn't overcome one of the area's strongest programs. Crane battled through all three sets but ultimately fell to New Covenant Academy (23-4-3) in straight sets - 13-25, 12-25, and 10-25. It marked another sweep for Lady Warriors, who also won their regular-season meeting with Crane earlier this fall (25-19, 25-12, 25-11).

The loss ends a season filled with growth, grit, and heart for the Lady Pirates, who finish with an overall record of 16-14-3. The district atmosphere was one of the most energetic the team had played in all season, with strong community support from start to finish.

Junior libero Madi Lansdown's milestone - her 1,000th career dig - stood out as a defining moment of the tournament, capturing the spirit and hard work that defined Crane's season.

The season ended sooner than they hoped, but not without a fight - and not without the support of a crowd that never stopped believing.