SHADYSIDE JUNIOR Paige Gorby serves during Thursday’s Division IV regional semifinal at New Lexington High School against South Webster. The Tigers were swept by the Jeeps.

NEW LEXINGTON — The memorable ride has come to an end.

Shadyside’s brilliant 22-3 campaign wrapped up on Thursday night in the Division IV Regional Semifinals as the Tigers fell in straight sets to South Webster 25-19, 25-19 and 25-8 inside New Lexington’s gymnasium.

Shadyside reached the regional tournament for the first time in school history after ousting Tuscarawas Central Catholic on Saturday in comeback fashion but the Tigers had no fireworks left this time around.

“Their passing was excellent and they were in system just about all of the time,” Shadyside coach Eric Mercer said of the Jeeps. “Their hitters were really strong and were doing a good job of placing the ball, hitting it around or over our block. They were tipping the ball in smart places, too. They were just a really good team. Congratulations to them and I wish them luck in the next round.”

The Tigers hung around early in the opening set, trailing 6-4 when the Jeeps stepped on the gas.

With Faith Maloney serving, South Webster reeled off six straight points to extend the lead to 12-4.

The Tigers climbed back to within 18-15 but were unable to get over the hump.

The second set began exactly how Mercer and his squad wanted — with a 10-3 Shadyside upperhand.

Senior Tory Hendershot tallied nine straight points during the spurt with classmates Baylee Wach and Kylie Jo Baker, along with Gentry Brown dominating in the front row.

Caroline Mercer and Paige Gorby provided help in the back row during that span, as well, but the Jeeps once again would not be denied.

The Jeeps fought all the way back to tie the match at 19-19 and then delivered a 6-0 run to end the set and take all the momentum into the third.

“We came out well in the second set,” Coach Mercer said. “We started forcing them into some mistakes but they regrouped and started making some plays. Once they got the momentum we had a hard time stopping them. It was a good comeback by them.

“In the third set, we just didn’t have a response for what they were doing. We switched our defense and started picking up their line shots but they were just better than us (Thursday).”

The Jeeps used a 6-0 run and two 4-0 runs to remove all doubt in the third set as they advance to play Newark Catholic on Saturday at New Lexington in the regional finals.

Brown led the Tigers with 10 kills and four blocks, while Caroline Mercer handed out 20 assists, Baker garnered five kills and four blocks and Hendershot added five kills.

Hendershot, Baker, Wach, Emely Blake, Kamdyn Elerick and Claire Strickland are all seniors on the squad, who have left an impact on the volleyball program.

“They are great kids who never give up and have never say die attitudes,” Coach Mercer said. “They just know how to win and they know what it means to be a part of a team and how to be leaders. That’s just invaluable. I can’t say enough about them.”