East Haven - Norwich Free Academy finally ran out of comeback magic Thursday.

Top-seeded Southington ended the defending CIAC Class LL volleyball champion's run in the semifinals in a five-game thriller at East Haven High School.

The fifth-seeded Wildcats fought to the finish before succumbing, 26-28, 20-25, 25-21, 25-15 and 15-11.

Comebacks are NFA's forte. In two previous state tournament matches this season as well as last year's championship win, the Wildcats rallied from a deficit to victory.

Not this time.

Southington refused to buckle.

"These kids never stopped fighting." NFA coach Bill Howard said. "You have to give (Southington) a lot of credit. They made plays when they needed to make them."

Momentum was clearly on NFA's side after scoring two hard-fought wins in games three and four. Senior Kastine Evans, who was brilliant (23 kills, four blocks and 14 assists), and senior Jennifer Escobido propelled the Wildcats to a 7-7 tie in the fifth and deciding game.

Relying on the powerful senior duo of Lauren Bauchiero and Katie Byrnes, the Lady Knights (20-1) gradually took control, building a 12-8 lead. In one of the match's many key points, Elise Bernaiche's diving save kept a long rally alive, allowing Southington to win the point for a 13-8 edge.

This time, the Wildcats (17-4) would not recover.

The match was almost over in three games. Southington rallied from 21-18 and 24-23 deficits to take game one. Evans fell to the floor after rolling her left ankle with the score tied at 23. She slowly got up and had her ankle tapped before game two.

"She's a tough kid and a heck of an athlete," Howard said. "She laced up her sneaker tighter. She's a gamer."

Things looked bleak for NFA after losing game two but the Wildcats rebounded. They became more aggressive, building a 12-3 lead. Southington stormed back to take a 16-15 edge. With senior Meaghan Doyle serving, NFA pulled away again. An Evans laser kill pushed the lead to 20-17 on the way to a 25-21 win.

It was all NFA in game four. Senior Alyssa Badorek (14 digs) picked up her play. Her service ace closed out the 25-15 win, setting up a dramatic deciding game.

The Lady Knights had one last push left.

A teary-eyed Evans and her teammates could take solace in their resolve.

"It's very tough (to repeat)," Evans said. "Though we lost, we played our hearts out."

Escobido also played well in defeat, chipping in 26 assists, 10 service points and nine digs.

Howard will miss his senior class, which left quite a successful mark on the program.

"Can't say enough about the contribution of the outgoing seniors," Howard said.

g.keefe@theday.com