The third time turned out not to be a charm for the Columbus Wildcat volleyball team, who opened up postseason play on Tuesday.The Wildcats had played Wapello two other times this season, and Columbus was swept in both contests.

The two squads matched up yesterday evening in Wapello in the Class 2A Region 8 tournament for the right to advance to the regional quarterfinals. 

The Wildcats fell again in straight sets (20-25, 19-25, 23-25). Senior Kelsey Pretz led the Wildcats with seven kills and nine digs in her final high school volleyball match. 

Wapello advances to take on Durrant next Tuesday in Durrant. Columbus ends the 2014 season with an overall record of 9-21. The Wildcats only lose three seniors off this year’s squad.