The Canberra Heat fell just short its quest to win the Australian Volleyball League title, losing to Queensland three sets to one in Sunday's final in Melbourne.
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After dropping the opening two sets, the Heat responded to win the third before the defending champions recovered to close out the match.
It was just the second match the Heat had lost for the season in an otherwise dominant campaign.
The Heat was without star players Travis Passier and Simon Hone for the final weekend.
Hone – voted the best blocker for the tournament – rolled his ankle this week in training, while Australian squad member Passier was also sidelined through injury.
Heat veteran Ben Hardy said his side had opportunities to close out the first set, but was pleased with the team's performance during the competition.
"We had some good chances that we didn't take and, if we did, the result could have been different," Hardy said.
"It was unfortunate, we played pretty well, but Queensland were too good on the day.
"We established ourselves in the top team in Australia. Those finals and big games can go either way."
With several of their extended squad members getting increased court time, the Heat started out strongly to put a lot of pressure on Queensland.
A couple of crucial points down the stretch allowed Queensland to take the first set 28-26.
Queensland was well on top in the second, racing away to win the set 25-13 and gain the upper hand in the contest.
But, with their backs against the wall, the Heat players responded to challenge Queensland, winning the third set 25-20.
However, the Heat was not able to maintain the momentum in the fourth set, Queensland taking it 25-19 to clinch back-to-back titles.
"In the past we've been down two sets to zero and come back, but it was tough," Hardy said.
"Queensland played really well on critical points and came out on top."
