RICHLAND CENTER — The Cheesemakers (11) closed out their season in a three-set loss to Richland Center (6) in the first round of the WIAA Division 2 playoffs, 25-13, 25-21, 25-12.

“It’s always hard to end your season like this,” Monroe head coach Heidi Witt said. “It just wasn’t our night.”

After a dreadful first set, the Cheesemakers bounced back and made the second game intense. The close loss sapped Monroe of its energy and the mistakes added up again in Game 3.

“When the majority of our attack attempts are hit into the net or out, the points just aren’t going to add up in our favor,” Witt said.

Cassi Gersbach and Zoee Pond each had six kills. Pond and Makayla Harrow both finished with one block, Lily Frehner dished out 17 assists, Gersbach had an ace and Pond had four digs. Senior Lexi Davis ends her prep career with a five-kill match and fellow senior Elli Mueller had four digs.

“You especially feel bad for the seniors who have been a part of the high school volleyball program for four years,” Witt said. “At  the end of the day, however, we have a great group of girls who were a pleasure to coach.”