After beating Hale Center 5-2 on Saturday to clinch a series sweep over the Owls in the Region I-2A semifinals, the Albany Lions’ post-victory celebration was noticeably subdued.

Aside from an extra high five or two following the final out, there was little to differentiate that reaction from the one seen a couple of nights earlier, when a 2-0 Game 1 victory put them in position to clinch their third region championship appearance in four years.

Sure, there was a trophy presentation after the teams exchanged handshakes, but it lacked the elation or enthusiasm often seen in such ceremonies. Following a brief hoisting of the trophy, the players quickly assembled themselves for a near-perfectly posed team photo — seemingly to appease their more visibly excited parents — and they were on their way.

It was almost as if the Lions had been there before and weren’t yet satisfied enough to let loose.