The Mingus Union High School volleyball team ended the regular season schedule on a three-match win streak but none of that mattered Tuesday,Nov. 2, when the 4A-II conference state playoffs began.

At No. 2 Amphitheater High School, the No. 15 Marauders struggled with one of the best teams in the state, and lost a tough one to end their season, 3-0.

“They served and hit really well. It’s one of the best teams we’ve seen this season. They did a really nice job,” Mingus assistant coach Brian Herman said.

Marauders Head Coach Audrey Islas was set to come back from her leave of absence this week, but Mingus had to get out of the first round of the state tournament if she was to coach again this season.

Senior Kayla Dixon led all Marauders with nine kills while fellow senior teammate Amanda Randolph had three kills, two blocks and two ace serves.

Senior team captain Lashea Taylor chipped in as well, recording three digs to lead Mingus.

“Our girls got better each game, we improved on some things, but they were strong,” Herman said.

Mingus lost games one [25-16] and two [25-18] before finally giving the Panthers, who are 28-10 this season, a run for their money.

In game three, Mingus trailed 22-21 looking to finally win a game and maybe get back into things, but senior star Taylor Lane was too much for the Marauders as she recorded three straight kills for her team to take the game 25-22 and win the match.

With the loss, the Marauders wrap up the 2010 campaign with a 9-9 [5-3, 4A-II Grand Canyon] overall record.

Mingus will lose Randolph, Taylor, Kayla Dixon and Jessica Zaske to graduation but a strong junior core, which includes Cortlin Sandoval, Sheila Brown, Vanessa Vera and Taylor Brott, should lead the way in 2011.