DISTRICT VOLLEYBALL FINAL This time, Fitch isn't denied

Boardman beat theFalcons twice duringthe regular season.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
STOW -- Tom Case, the normally stoic coach of the Austintown Fitch High volleyball team, couldn't suppress his smile. Senior Katie McDermott, one of four returning starters from last year's state tournament team, couldn't hold back her tears.
And Boardman coach Ron Slipkasky, whose team had beaten the Falcons twice this season, couldn't hide his disappointment.
Fitch rallied to beat the Spartans 14-16, 15-8, 15-11 in Wednesday's Division I district final at Stow High School.
The Falcons, who have won four straight district titles, advanced to next week's regional at Hudson.
Importance
"This game meant so much to all of us," said McDermott, who had 14 points, 12 kills, seven blocks and 14 digs. "It was the best game I've ever played in."
Both teams entered the contest looking for redemption. Fitch lost its first Steel Valley Conference title since 1994 to Boardman this season. The Spartans lost to Fitch four times last year -- including the district final in straight sets.
"Anytime you win at this level, it's tremendously special," Case said. "To do so against a team in your conference is extra special."
The Falcons struggled early in the year with their health and their focus -- McDermott admitted they didn't take Boardman seriously enough in their first meeting -- but they almost seemed to grow up on Wednesday.
"We really haven't been able to come back all year," Case said. "This is as big a comeback as we've had. I don't want to single anyone out, but a couple of our younger kids lifted their level of play. I was very pleased with that."
Coach's faith
Fitch took an 8-1 lead to start the first set and seemed to be in control, but Slipkasky did not take a timeout, trusting that his team would rally.
The Spartans did -- scoring eight of the next nine points to tie the game. Fitch then took leads of 12-10, 13-11 and 14-13, but Boardman didn't fold, eventually tying the match at 14 and winning the final two points.
"It would not have been like this team to fold," Slipkasky said. "We've fought back too many times this year. I knew we'd get back in the game."
In the second set, Fitch again took an early lead of 5-1, but the Spartans tied the game at 6. Fitch responded with a 9-2 run to close the match. Boardman then took an 8-1 lead in the third set, only to watch Fitch tie the game at 11 and, eventually, close it out.
"We had a great year," Slipkasky said. "Winning two of three against them is a good accomplishment. I'm proud of the way we played. We played our hearts out on the last game of the year and Fitch was just able to finish up at the end."
Leaders
Rachel Terzak had nine points, 11 kills and 29 digs and Maggie Case added six points, 24 kills, 42 digs and three blocks for Fitch (20-4). Jessica Evans had five points, three kills, two blocks and seven digs; Stacie Mang had four points, two kills and 15 digs; and Jenn Drabison added five points, nine kills and 13 blocks.
Jen Feret led the Spartans (21-4) with 12 points, 17 kills and five digs and Krysta Sylvester added nine points and four digs. Jen Hlebovy had 18 kills and 15 digs, Lauren Craig had six kills and four blocks and Jaclyn Corroto added 47 assists and four digs.
"We knew this game wasn't going to be easy," McDermott said. "Boardman forced us to get better and to grow up. But we worked so hard all season -- we weren't going to accept another loss."
scalzo@vindy.com