BEDFORD, Ind. — University fell just short of a return trip to the Class A state championship game, losing to Vincennes Rivet 56-46 in the Bedford North Lawrence Semistate.

Rivet (23-1) broke open a close game by going on a 9-0 rin early in the fourth quarter.

Mallory Niehaus made two free throws to give the Patriots a 43-31 lead with 5:49 left in regulation. University (21-5) cut the deficit to 46-42 on Leyshia Walker’s 3-pointer with 3:07 left, but got no closer.

Bria Sneed scored 17 points to lead University.

It will be the first state championship game appearance for Rivet, whose only loss was to White River Valley, a team University beat in regional play.