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Canfield sweeps Salem for D2 crown
By Brandon Judeh
sports@vindy,.com
Gallery
Boardman
The Canfield Cardinals volleyball team reached one of its goals Thursday night by winning the Division II district championship after sweeping Salem in three sets.
Canfield (24-1) dominated the match with solid sets and teamwork, winning by scores of 25-13, 25-14 and 25-19.
Leading the way for the Cardinals were seniors Ellie Rafoth (43 assists and four digs) and Abby Malsch (19 kills, 13 digs and two blocks). Junior Sabrina Mangapora added 12 kills and eight digs.
“It feels amazing to be district champions, this was our goal all season and we have been looking forward to this since the preseason. This is what we worked so hard for during every practice,” said Malsch.
Cardinals coach Ronie Haurin said her team was confident coming into the matchup and practiced well all week.
“We have a well-balanced team that has hitting all the way around, great passing and I think that was the key factor to winning. That and we didn’t make many mistakes.”
After dominating the first two games, the Cardinals had trouble early on in the third game. The Quakers (24-2) played the best they had all night, taking an early 5-1 lead and keeping the score close. After a back and forth, intense game Canfield was able to pull away in the end.
Many of the Cardinals feel this is the best team they have ever played on and are confident headed into the regional at Stow.
“It feels amazing, this is the best group of girls I have ever played with. All of us come out and play hard every game and practice. All of the remaining teams have a shot at state, so I think we have a good chance to get there,” said Rafoth.
“We played really well together as a team and we brought it all together, it was just a great experience. I feel very confident about our team because of how well we have been playing together. Our goal is state,” added Sarah McGraw.
The Quakers’ top performers were Alexis Smith with 13 kills, and Lindsey Foster with six kills and one block.
“This was our worst game of the season, but you have to ask yourself: Was it all on our part? Or did Canfield make us look bad?” said Don Conser, Salem coach.
Though the Cardinals are unsure of who they will play next, Haurin had a chance to watch some of the teams they may play in the next round and feels that her team has a great chance.
“I honestly believe we have a good shot at getting to state,” she said. “We have great players all the way around and if we keep working and playing the way we have been our chances are great.”