THREE LAKES, Wis. — Needing a win to stay in the hunt for the Northern Lakes Conference title, the Florence Ladycats were unable to record that victory, falling to host Three Lakes 15-25, 26-24, 25-17, 25-22 on Tuesday.

Florence started the match hot, winning the first set going away.

“We were hitting and kept Three Lakes on the ropes,” Florence coach Teresa Chrisman said.

However, the Ladycats lost their aggressiveness during the second set and the Bluejays took advantage to even the match heading into the third.

Three Lakes then rode their momentum going the rest of the match and won the final two sets.

Chrisman said her team became less aggressive and more fearful of committing mistakes as the match wore on.

“I was disappointed that they didn’t play with that never-say-die attitude,” Chrisman said. “At this point, I need them to step up and rise to the challenge individually, not thinking someone else will get the pass or hit the ball.”

Chrisman added that her squad has lost 13 sets by two points this season.

“If we want to make a run here we have to play strong and not scared for the whole match,” she said.

Florence’s Morgan Tomczak led all hitters with 20 kills, while Madison Johnson recorded 35 assists. Tomczak, Johnson and Tyley Fyvie had 100% serving on the night.

The Florence junior varsity team ended its season with a win and had a successful year, Chrisman said.

The Ladycats finish their regular season at the NLC tournament in Crandon on Saturday.

“I know we can do better and hope we prove that to ourselves and everyone else to culminate the season on a high note.”

Florence begins WIAA Division 4 regional play with a home match against Goodman-Pembine on Tuesday, Oct. 18. The match is set for a 7 p.m. start.