NORMAL — NCOE won the opening set, but could not hold on, losing to Athens 26-24, 17-25, 9-25 in the 3rd Place match at the 1A State Volleyball Tournament this morning at Redbird Arena in Normal.

The Fighting Cardinals finished 36-4 on the season.

This NCOE’s second 4th Place finish in the last four seasons. There will be a parade through town and reception at the high school tonight at approximately 6:00.