Crestview survives scare

Springfield gave the undefeated Rebels all they could handle.
By MARK W. MILLER
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
SALEM -- It took four games to prevail, but unbeaten and top-seeded Crestview High withstood a strong challenge from No. 2 seed Springfield to post a 21-25, 25-22, 25-22, 25-16 victory in a Division III district semifinal volleyball match Monday at Salem High School.
The Tigers (19-6), who repeated as Inter-County League champions, broke a 14-14 tie to go ahead 19-14 in the first game. The Rebels (23-0) got within 19-16 and 24-21 before losing.
"We were a little nervous in the first game and they came out strong," said Crestview's first-year coach, Alisha Auer.
"We made some adjustments and once the kids got comfortable, we were able to handle their pressure and take control," she added.
"Our kids played excellent defense and our passes pulled it through for us," said Auer. "Tricia Richards played smart on offense."
Richards scored five points to go along with eight digs, 21 kills, two blocks and an ace.
Rachell Storm scored 12 points, with 14 digs, 11 kills and three aces. Elyse Mongillo had 44 assists, one kill, two aces, six points and 19 digs.
Staying close
The score was tied five times in the second game before the Rebels pulled away 12-6. Springfield narrowed the margin to 24-22, but Crestview made a point to tie the match at one game each.
The third game was tied seven times and the Tigers were within a point, 23-22, before the Rebels sealed the victory.
Springfield tied it 3-3 early in the fourth game. Crestview went on a 16-5 run and the Tigers couldn't recover.
"We got a great start and our kids were pumped and intense," said Springfield's Bill Knight, in his 17th season as the Tigers' coach.
"It was a close match and it's a shame that somebody had to lose; unfortunately we did.
"We had to be perfect getting the ball to our setter. Sometimes we did and sometimes we didn't, but I can't complain, Crestview has a good team," said Knight.
"I couldn't ask any more from these kids. We have a winning program and repeated as ICL champs."
Lindsay Johnson led the Tigers with eight points and 16 kills. Rachel Mincher had eight points and seven kills and Christy Warren had eight points and eight kills. Krista Snyder had 31 assists.
Columbiana 25-25-25,Streetsboro 22-16-14
The Clippers (16-7) eliminated Streetsboro (17-8) and will meet Crestview for the district crown Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Crestview defeated Columbiana in five games twice during the regular season, but the Clippers defeated the Rebels for the district title last year.