Sports

HS Volleyball: Nelsonville-York rolls into District final

Posted on: Thursday, October 27, 2011

The Nelsonville-York Lady Buckeyes volleyball team won in straight sets in the division-III district semi-final matchup against the Northwest Mohawks. The number one seeded N-Y squad proved too powerful and skillful for the number-four seed.

In each game, both teams went on streaks to narrow or widen their point differentials, but at about the midway point in each game, the Lady Buckeyes went on long runs, which propelled them to victory. N-Y beat Northwest in three games: 25-13; 25-13; 25-12.

Nelsonville-York was a little sluggish to start the first game against the Mohawks, but junior outside hitters, Kaytlin Maiden and Caitlyn Breeze picked up the slack for N-Y early and continued their success throughout the match. Maiden led the team with 10 kills while Breeze tallied nine.

Lady Buckeye head coach Ben Robey said he wanted to get his outside hitters involved early, and establish a tough block so Northwest’s middle hitters and outside hitters couldn’t get into rhythm.

Maiden and Breeze’s successes can be attributed to great set-play by setter Megan Bishop, who recorded 28 assists. Her ability to set up her outside and middle hitters was a key to Wednesday’s match.

Northwest’s ability to keep rallies going was impressive, but the strength and discipline of a young Lady Buckeye team outmatched the Mohawk blockers.

Northwest finishes its season with a record of 12-9 (including tournament) and will lose three seniors to graduation. N-Y now moves to 17-3 and will face the winner of the Wheelersburg/Huntington matchup this Saturday for the district title.