DIV. III VOLLEYBALL Girard returns to the Sweet 16

Senior standout Tealle Hunkus said it has been a team effort.
By CHUCK HOUSTEAU
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
BRACEVILLE -- Many volleyball followers believe that the Girard Indians will go as far in postseason as Tealle Hunkus takes them.
The senior standout doesn't quite see it that way.
Although Hunkus, who is headed to Duke University to continue her volleyball career, had a 12-kill, eight-point performance to lead the Indians to a Division III district championship over Burton Berkshire 15-4, 15-2, she said teamwork is the key to Girard's success.
All or nothing
"As far as me leading," Hunkus said, "we all did this together. We all go to practice every day for two hours and we all show up here together to win these games."
The win over No. 2-seeded Berkshire (14-6) sent Girard (23-3) to its second straight regional appearance at Barberton next Thursday.
Last year, the Indians lost to Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph in the regional semifinal.
"This is huge," said Girard coach Phil Walters. "Last year was our first year down there and I think the girls were overwhelmed.
"I think we're better prepared this year, we know what to expect and the girls are looking forward to it."
The victory celebration was tempered by an injury to senior Stephanie Scarnecchia as she scored the team's final point.
Scarnecchia fell to the floor in pain while grabbing her knee and her status for the regional is questionable.
"Steph's a great player and a great athlete," Walters said. "I don't want to have to think about not having her available, but if she can't go, the girls will pick up the slack."
Another level
Defense and passing will be the key for Girard to move beyond regional play.
The Indians play with a powerful passing game that usually ends up with Hunkus getting the last pass for a dominating kill.
It's no secret that the Girard offense revolves around the skill of Hunkus, who recently became only the third girl in Ohio to record 1,000 kills.
"She's a great player," Walters said. "But this is a big court and without six players who can play great defense and make passes we wouldn't be this successful."
The Indians feature a mix of four seniors and several talented younger players. Hunkus, Scarnecchia, Janeen Delgenio and Beth Hanna are the seniors, while underclassmen Kristen Ragozine, Nicole Melfi, Brittany Kay, Aleesha Royer, Lee McLane and Erin Stevens also contribute to Girard's success.
Stevens, a sophomore, led the Indians with 15 assists. With Hunkus and key performers from last year's squad returning, Walters said that goals for this season were very high.
"I'm not saying this team is better, but it's different," Walters said. "The kids have worked hard and I think our schedule has helped prepare us for what lies ahead."
Blemishes
Girard's only losses were to Hubbard (twice) and Lakeview.
The experience gives Hunkus reason to have confidence as the Indians prepare for next week.
"We know what we have to do," Hunkus said. "We want to go as far as we can and that means to state. If we keep playing as a team and have fun, we'll reach our goals."