The North Callaway volleyball program is continuing to progress.

The Ladybirds’ season this year ended on Tuesday with a 12-16-1 record at the Class 2 District 6 tournament in Hermann after losing in four sets to Linn (15-25, 17-25, 25-19 and 19-25). North Callaway finished with its best winning percentage in history at 41.4 percent — breaking the 40-percent record from last year — and won only its second set in district play since taking one in 2016 against Hallsville.

North Callaway had defeated Linn (8-10) before this season in three sets at home, but head coach Andrew Klein said the Lady Wildcats proved tougher in the rematch.

“It is really challenging to beat a team a second time when they are a very evenly matched opponent for us,” Klein said. “Credit to Linn for coming out and making plays in the first set that we couldn't make.”

Natalie Shryock led the team with 8 kills and Rylee Horstman had seven kills, Riley Blevins had a team-high 23 digs and Peyton Boulware had 10 digs, Jaden Smithee led with 12 assists and Lakyn Hartley followed with 10 assists, Alex Craighead picked up two blocks, and Blevins and Horstman each had two service aces.

Klein said the Ladybirds had a more “positive outlook” on the situation that helped them win the third set. He said the program also has a positive outlook thanks to the love for the game established by the school’s recently created middle school program and this season’s seniors, including the libero Blevins in her standout season of setting the school single-match digs record twice — currently at 44 digs.

“Our seniors led us in many ways this year,” Klein said. “I told them that their ability to encourage younger girls to play volleyball will definitely leave a great impact on our program. Our season was another step in the right direction.”