DIVISION II VOLLEYBALL Bombers bounce Salem in regional semifinal

Kenston topped the Quakersin two sets, 15-8, 15-8.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
STOW -- The Kenston Bombers didn't play perfectly on Thursday, but they came pretty close.
"We were almost flawless," Kenston High volleyball coach Brian Coughlin said. "This was about as perfect as we could play."
And that was bad news for Salem.
The Quakers' season came to an abrupt end Wednesday as Salem fell 15-8, 15-8 in a Division II regional semifinal at Stow High School.
"When you get to this level, you've gotta watch because everybody's good," Salem coach Don Conser said. "I would have liked to have played like we did in the district tournament."
Salem took early leads in both games, but couldn't sustain any momentum. Kenston used a 13-3 run to close out the first game. Then, in the second game, the Quakers took a 2-1 lead only to watch the Bombers answer with a 10-1 run to take control.
"We caught a lot of breaks," Coughlin said, "and the girls came up with big plays when they needed to."
The two teams scrimmaged earlier in the season and the Bombers learned to stay away from Salem's big middle hitters, especially senior Lauren Teal and junior Sarah Hamilton.
"We feel like we set up pretty good with them," Coughlin said. "We knew what was coming.
"Salem has an excellent program, so for us to win like this is a great win."
The Bombers (24-3) will play Mentor Lake Catholic (23-3) for the regional title at 2 p.m. Saturday -- a rematch of last year's regional final.
Solid season
"I think it probably hurt us not being here before," Conser, whose team lost to Hubbard in last year's district final. "And their guys had been here last year."
Teal had four kills and four blocks and Hamilton added two kills, a tip and a block for the Quakers (22-5), who beat Hubbard in last week's district final. Jill Barry had 10 assists -- "probably the fewest assists she's had all year," Conser said -- and Alexandra Rich added three kills.
"It's been a fun group," Conser said. "I wish we could have played a little bit better on their way out."
Conser, who retired from teaching last year, said he hopes to return next season.
"I will apply for the job," he said. "I hope they give it to me. The only way I won't apply for the job is if my son does."
Salem benefited from a sizable student section -- much bigger than Kenston's. The Bombers' fans were fairly vocal, however, and Conser didn't seem to appreciate some of their comments.
"[Kenston has] the foulest-mouthed rooting section of any team we played this year," Conser said.
scalzo@vindy.com