DIVISION III VOLLEYBALL United takes rubber match versus TCL rival

The Eagles split their regular season contests against Lisbon.
By JOHN BUTERA
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
SALEM -- The Division III district volleyball championship match lived up to its billing and then some, as United High and Lisbon battled down to the wire before the Golden Eagles came away with their second consecutive crown.
United (20-4) won 15-8, 10-15, 15-11, and advanced to the Barberton regional tournament Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
Three times in the final game Lisbon (19-4) held the upper hand including a 8-7 lead. The third game was tied on five occasions.
Final game: Ahead 10-9 and aided by the serving of Kodey Miller, United pulled ahead 13-9. A stuff by Lisbon's Katie Tsilimos regained the serve and another outstanding play by Tsilimos at the net got the Blue Devils within 13-10.
Following a net serve by United, sophomore Courtney Zimmerman scored an ace to close the margin to 13-11.
Tsilimos regained the serve, but the Blue Devils would come no closer as United scored the game's final two points.
"We lost momentum when we made mistakes," said Lisbon senior Mallory Smith, who scored 11 points.
"I think their experience may have played a little bit of a part tonight, but we were just as ready to play as they were."
Rallies: After United used rallies of seven and six points to win game one 15-8, the Eagles began game two with a 4-0 lead before Lisbon tied the contest on Smith's serves.
Trailing 10-8, Lisbon showed its best spurt, scoring seven points on its last possession to pull away 15-10.
Impressive ball placement from Elizabeth Gerber capped the rally.
United coach Billina Donaldson said, "I like my chances no matter who's across the net and I am confident in my girls.
"I think the experience of winning a big game helped us get over the top."
Didn't play well: Lisbon coach Lisa Moore said, "We just didn't play well in the first game at all and in the third game we were hot and cold.
"I knew in last game we would have to play great to beat them and even though we did some good things it just wasn't enough."
Tsilimos, regarded as one of Columbiana County's top players, finished her career with nine kills, seven blocks, five points and three aces.
Megan Friend, another senior for Lisbon, had 22 assists.
Tonya Beaumont of the United had 31 assists, while Miller contributed 20 digs. Mandy Clapsaddle, a force up front, had 20 kills, while Sara Hotchkiss had nine blocks.