DIVISION I VOLLEYBALL Fitch wins fifth straight district easily

The Falcons defeated Hudson, 15-2, 15-0, for a regional berth next week.
By JOE SCALZO
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
STOW -- Just before Wednesday's Division I district final against Hudson, Austintown Fitch High volleyball coach Tom Case was asked what he thought of the Explorers.
"They could beat us," Case said.
Riiiggghhht. Sure they could. Because you just never know, right? Because on any given night anything can happen and when you get to this point in the tournament ... etc.
Then, after Fitch dispensed of the Explorers in the time it took to get a bag of popcorn, Case just stood with a slight grin on his face, as if he knew what would happen all along.
"This is my last season and every match could be my last," said Case, who is retiring from coaching. "I'm hoping we'll continue this run a little longer."
Why not? After all, the Falcons (21-4) have won five straight district titles, 19 straight matches and are looking to advance to the state tournament for the third time in five years.
"Obviously, we expect to go back to state," said senior Allison Kenney, one of five seniors on the team. "There's no reason we can't. We just have to play our best."
Advance to regional
They did that on Thursday, routing Hudson 15-2, 15-0, at Stow High School, advancing to play either Solon or Brecksville-Broadview Heights next Wednesday in a regional semifinal at Hudson High.
"Personally, I didn't expect to win this easily," said senior Jenn Drabison, one of five returning starters from last season. "But we expect a lot out of ourselves. I think we all stepped it up a notch."
Maggie Case had 13 points, 12 kills, four blocks and three digs for Fitch, while Jessica Evans had four points, six kills and nine digs, Rachel Terzak had four points, four digs, two blocks and two kills and freshman Caitlin O'Patchen had four points and four digs.
"It was one of the best nights we've had so far this season," Kenney said. "[But] there's always room for improvement. We can always look better. We just have to practice, practice, practice."
Hudson (15-10) was making its first appearance in the district final and struggled with Fitch's serving and defense.
"We didn't show up," said Explorers coach Becky Ulrich. "I'm not sure if it was nerves or what. But Austintown is a great team. They're one of the best teams we've played this year."
And they're only getting better.
"We expect so much more," Drabison said.
The Falcons, who have three starters from the 2001 state team, lost to Mentor in last year's regional semifinal and will have their hands full the rest of the way.
But with Case, they're in good hands.
"You still win with players," Case said, "and I've had some very nice players over the years."
scalzo@vindy.com