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Ace Nation: Buckeyes sweep Bluejays to advance to the district semifinals

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BUCHTEL, Ohio (WOUB) — The Nelsonville-York Buckeyes hosted the Ripley Bluejays in the divison six district quarterfinals. The Buckeyes swept the Bluejays in three sets to advance to the district semifinals. 

Nelsonville-York jumped out to an early four to one lead in the first set on back-to-back aces from Ella Vohlken. Ripley bounced back, scoring four straight points to take the lead five to four on a kill from Callie Fultz. The Buckeyes kept their composure and stormed ahead, never looking back. A Bluejay error sealed the deal and Nelsonville-York won set one 25 to 13. 

Buckeye Ella Vohlken attempts a serve
Buckeye Ella Vohlken attempts a serve [Katie Bailey | WOUB Public Media]
Ripley began to find their footing in set two. They kept the set close with multiple kills from Fultz. An ace from Hailey Gatliff brought the Bluejays within one point of the Buckeye lead, Nelsonville-York ahead 22 to 21, forcing a Buckeye timeout. 

During the timeout Buckeye Head Coach Wayne Dicken had some advice for him team, “I told them to shake the nerves and calm down, that we still had the lead and were in a good spot to take the set.” 

Nelsonville-York found the final push they needed to win the second set 25 to 22. 

Both teams came out playing hard in the third set. Ripley capitalized on Buckeye errors early to keep the set close, and a block from Gatliff helped the Bluejays close in on the Buckeye lead seven to five. Despite Ripley’s efforts, Nelsonville-York was able to slowly create separation as the set went on. An ace from Mya Schultz gave the Buckeyes the set 25 to 10 and the match. 

After the Buckeyes win, Vohlken liked what she saw from her team and hopes it continues through the rest of tournament play, “I hope we bring the energy that we had tonight into our next game.” 

The Bluejays concluded their season with a six and twelve record. The Buckeyes hope to keep this momentum as they travel to Wellston High School to take on the Valley Indians on Wednesday in the divison six district semifinals.