DIVISION II VOLLEYBALL Young Crestwood opens early lead, holds off Hubbard

The Red Devils won in four games to claim their first district title.
By CHUCK HOUSTEAU
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
BOARDMAN -- Crestwood High senior Brit Mayle knew all about Hubbard's strong volleyball program and postseason success.
Mayle wasn't about to be intimidated.
While the Eagles were making their ninth straight trip to the district championship match Thursday, Crestwood was appearing in its first match since 1997.
"We go into every game like we're going to win it," Myle said. "We had a lot of confidence."
It was that attitude by the Red Devils' only senior starter that enabled Crestwood to defeat Hubbard in four games.
Seeded first, Crestwood (22-1) opened an early two-game lead over second-seeded Hubbard and held on for a 25-22, 25-23, 19-25, 25-17 win, advancing to regional play for the first time in the school's history.
"[Crestwood's] a good defensive team with a lot of good hitters," said Hubbard coach Chuck Montgomery. "We played very hard. Our girls were resilient. They never gave up."
Key game
It would have been easy for the Eagles to pack it in after dropping the first two games, especially with the way the young Hubbard team lost the second game. Trailing 24-23, a net ball fell to the floor on Hubbard's side to give the Red Devils the win.
"That was a key point in the game," Montgomery said. "If that ball falls on their side, it could have been a whole different outcome, especially if we rally to win that game."
The Eagles (20-6) did rally in the third game, opening a 16-7 lead before closing it out.
Hubbard jumped out to leads of 3-0 and 7-4 in the fourth game before Crestwood made its comeback. Trailing 12-10, the Red Devils outscored Hubbard 7-0 to take a 17-12 lead. Sophomore Erica Zigman was outstanding in leading Crestwood down the stretch to victory.
"We have a lot of guns to go to," said Crestwood coach Wanda Hoffman. "We did a good job of finding open spots in the defense and getting the job done."
Young team
Hubbard was supposed to be in a rebuilding mode this year with only three seniors and just two available for duty. Senior Danielle Nock was out with a knee injury.
Still, the Eagles managed to go undefeated in the Trumbull Athletic Conference.
The young players gave a good showing in the district championship game. Sophomore Maggie Bogdan led the Eagles with nine points, three aces, 13 kills and nine blocks. Junior Callie Oyler added six points and nine kills. Senior Kylene Hoch had 34 digs for Hubbard.
"What a great effort by these girls," said Montgomery. "We'll be back here again."
Mayle paced the Red Devils with 10 points, 10 kills, 25 assists and 16 digs. Zigman had 15 kills and five blocks.