RALEIGH — Seven Northeastern seniors were denied their dream for the second time in as many years Saturday when the Lady Eagles volleyball team lost to Newton-Conover 3-0 in the state 2A championship game at Reynolds Coliseum.

Although Northeastern (22-0) was more than competitive in the last two games, it went down to a 25-14, 25-21, 21-19 defeat.

Newton-Conover finished the season with a 29-5 record.

A year ago, the Lady Eagles lost a 3-1 decision to Starmount in the first state title game appearance in school history. Northeastern was also unbeaten coming into that match.

With all but one starter returning, along with several top reserves, the Lady Eagles thought they had the talent and experience to win the championship this time.