North Meck falls short in state semifinal

The North Mecklenburg Vikings powered through the first four rounds of the playoffs and looked poised to have a shot at their first state championship. But the Vikings fell one game short, losing to Ardrey Kell in the state semifinals 3-2 (21-25, 25-13, 25-15, 19-25, 8-15).

After losing a close first game, North Meck came back strong with commanding wins in the second and third games. But, in the end, Ardrey Kell was able to overpower them and earn a spot in their first state championship game.

Cooke had 22 kills, 11 digs and three blocks for the Vikings, and Sarah Weise had 16 kills and served seven aces. Atkinson, who was sidelined midway through the fifth game with a knee injury, had 39 assists.

North Meck finished the season 25-3. Ardrey Kell is now 24-5 and will face Greenville Rose in the championship match.