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North Stanly’s volleyball season came to an abrupt end this week.

The Comets, seeded fifth in the 1A Western Region of the state playoffs, were scheduled to host No. 12 Rosman in a first-round matchup Tuesday.

According to an email from Stanly County Schools Athletic Director Beverly Pennington, the Comets “followed NCHSAA COVID protocols which unfortunately resulted in a forfeit of the match against Rosman.”

Pennington went on to say SCS and its staff “are very proud of the conference championship and undefeated conference play this team earned.”

Head coach Jamie Kimrey said “the girls had an incredible season. We are thankful for getting the chance to play as many games as we did. We knew COVID was a risk all season. We followed all protocols set forth by the state and the county, however, it wasn’t enough to protect us from the COVID-19 virus.”

Kimrey said the coaching staff and team “are all certainly disappointed about not being able to play in the playoffs after earning a first-round home game. However, we have a lot to celebrate. This team accomplished something that cannot ever be taken from them: a conference title. I would like to congratulate and wish our seniors the best. These ladies have a bright future ahead of them.”

North had four seniors on the roster this season: Taegan Lowder, Anna Hathcock, Alex Childress and Cleo Carter.

The forfeit sends Rosman on the road Thursday to take on No. 4 Alleghany in a second-round matchup.