Despite seeing her team’s season come to an end, Tamaqua volleyball coach Marie Schock couldn’t help but smile after Tuesday night’s District 11 Class 3A quarterfinal against Mahanoy Area.

The Blue Raiders’ effort in a narrow three-set loss reflected just how much they had grown during the season.

“The match tonight was absolutely amazing,” Schock said. “These girls did what they needed to with communication, letting a mistake go and bringing each other up. They had an amazing night. They really made Mahanoy work for the win.”

The Blue Raiders, who missed the district playoffs by one match last season, fell to Mahanoy Area 25-17, 27-25 and 28-26. It was their first postseason appearance since 2004.

Madison Schock had 19 assists, 12 digs, three aces and two kills, while Millie Black added 15 kills, six digs, three blocks and one ace to pace Tamaqua.

Despite finishing 6-17, Schock viewed the season as a success because of the team’s development and cherished the moments along the way.

“I think you always hope for this kind of season for the team,” said Schock. “We told them how much talent they had, but until they believed in themselves, we just had to keep trying to push them to see their greatness.

“They continued to work hard and never gave up. The talent that each one brought to the team was tremendous.”

Schock cited seniors Madison Schock, her daughter, and Payton Selby as instrumental in the team’s growth over the years.

“These girls will be greatly missed because of their quick reactions and determination,” said Schock. “I was amazed at Madison’s abilities to read the court, the players and her abilities to get the ball where she needed, whether it was digging the ball up, making one-handed sets or placing it where she needed. Payton really came out this year and worked hard on the outside. She was impressive with the hitting and came out with some great plays.”

The younger Schock shared the same perspective as her mother.

“I think we grew as a team,” said Madison Schock, who plans to pursue a career in nursing. “We were a young team, but we gained confidence in ourselves.

“We learned to trust each other and find fun in playing, which helped us reach another level.”

Juniors Millie Black and Naomi Knitter also elevated their play throughout the season.

“Millie had a great ability to read the court and place the ball where defenders weren’t, and she communicated well with her teammates,” said Schock. “Last year was Naomi’s first time playing the sport, and she has had good hang time when hitting and has been very determined.”

Like their junior teammates, sophomores Stephanie Chen, Skylare McConnon and Amilliana Roman took another step forward.

“Stephanie was our libero and had the ability to read hitters and get where she needed to be,” said Schock. “Skylare served well and had the ability to place the ball in open spots on the court, and Amilliana stepped up whenever she was needed.”

Schock also was pleased with the growth of freshmen Mackenzie Famularo, Hailey Kunkel and Liberty Coleman.

“Mackenzie previously had not played organized volleyball,” said Schock. “She did a great job learning the position and did great things at the net for us. Hailey Kunkel and Liberty Coleman were thrown in with the sharks and were able to add great things for the team.”

Losing just two seniors, Schock knows her team will feel the loss, but she envisions a bright future.

“To lose them will not be easy, and one is my daughter,” said Schock. “But the younger girls are going to be amazing to see next year.”

Mahanoy Area 3, Tamaqua 0

Tamaqua 17 25 26

Mahanoy Area 25 27 28

Statistics: Tamaqua - Mackenzie Famularo 2 kills, 1 block; Madison Schock 19 assists, 12 digs, 3 aces, 2 kills; Millie Black 15 kills, 6 digs, 3 blocks, 1 ace; Payton Selby 4 digs, 4 aces, 3 kills; Naomi Knitter 6 digs, 3 kills, 1 ace, 1 block; Skylare McConnon 8 digs, 2 aces; Stephanie Chen 6 digs.

Records: Tamaqua (6-17); Mahanoy Area (12-7).