TCL VOLLEYBALL Crestview cruises past Lisbon to 15th straight victory

The unbeaten and state-ranked Rebels won in three straight games.
By CHUCK HOUSTEAU
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBIANA -- First-year Crestview High volleyball coach Alisha Auer was a little concerned about her undefeated and state-ranked team before its match against Lisbon on Thursday.
"It's a game we should win," Auer said about the Tri-County League matchup with the Blue Devils. "But everyone tends to play well when they're gunning for you."
Auer's concern was short-lived as the Rebels showed they are deserving of their undefeated record and the 10th spot in the state coaches Division III poll by sweeping Lisbon in three games.
Crestview (15-0, 10-0 TCL) used the strong setting of sophomore Elyse Mongillo to distribute the ball to a strong array of hitters led by junior Tricia Richards and sophomore Rachell Storm to turn back Lisbon, 25-14, 25-14, 25-13.
"We had a very good team effort," Auer said. "We work so well together and these girls have a great desire to win.
"We have a lot of weapons," Auer added. "Tonight we played a strong all-around game."
Leading the way
Mongillo had 25 assists, four points and 64 sets from her setter position.
Storm led the Rebels with nine kills, two blocks, 13 digs and three points. Richards added eight kills, two blocks, two digs and six points.
Junior Michelle Parks also had seven kills and five points.
Crestview also showed it isn't just a strong offensive team.
The Rebels have one of the top liberos in the TCL in senior Caitlin Crowell. A libero's job is to receive, serve and play defense and Crowell did an outstanding job controlling the Lisbon offense.
Despite a strong effort by Lisbon's Ashley Adams, her strong offensive and defensive game wasn't enough to threaten the Rebels.
Crestview volleyball has had a storied history of success under former coach Judy Gregory, who retired after the 2001 season.
First-year coach
Auer, who played for Gregory at Crestview and later at Walsh University and Cleveland State, took over the program this year after a two-year coaching stint by Jerome Jones, and has the Rebels challenging for the league title.
The Rebels have two tough matches coming up with Columbiana and United.
With just four seniors on the roster, winning a league title wasn't a sure thing when the season began.
"We were expected to be a rebuilding team this year," Auer said. "During the preseason we decided we wanted to be the team on top and that's what these girls are doing."