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Lancers oust Rebels in three
Defending champs dominate Crestview
By Greg Gulas
BARBERTON
The Gilmour Academy volleyball team, the defending Division III state champions, has been perched atop the weekly rankings throughout most of the season.
Crestview’s team now knows why the Lancers (22-4) are favored to return to state even though they were the second seed in their district tournament.
Thursday at Barberton High School, the Lancers swept the Rebels in their regional semifinal match. Scores were 25-6, 25-17, 25-12.
“We had a fabulous season and our five seniors provided the leadership all season long to get us to this point,” Crestview head coach Alisha Auer said. “Gilmour is a very strong team and one that doesn’t get challenged very often.
“They have a loaded lineup,” Auer said. “Their ball control was excellent tonight.”
The season was one that Auer will view with fond memories.
“I am proud of this fine group,” Auer said. “This is a team that came together early in the season and played hard.”
In the opening match, Gilmour’s Katie Forsythe staked the Lancers to the early 4-1 advantage. They built a 15-3 lead on Erin O’Connell’s six service points and then finished off a 25-6 win with Forsythe registering the last four service points.
In the second game, the Rebels (24-3) pulled to within 14-13 but had to watch as Gilmour reeled off 11 of the next 15 points.
“We had great teamwork, jelled early and really played well the entire season,” said Makenna Perozrazio, one of the Rebels’ five seniors. “We didn’t win tonight, but we played really hard.
“They are a powerful team.”
Opponents didn’t pose much of a challenge to either team during sectionals or district as the Rebels won 12 of 15 matches en route to the Salem district title. Gilmour waltzed through the Elyria district by winning nine of their 10 matches.
The Lancers completed their sweep, 25-12. They opened up a 19-9 lead.
“Our serving and defensive blocking were really strong tonight,” Gilmour Academy coach Danny Coughlin said. “In the second game, I called time out and told our girls that we don’t have the luxury of going point to point to point. That’s when they picked it up and we went on a 7-0 run to open a 22-13 lead.”
Natasha Salmen had 26 digs and Haley Eskra 12 assists with MacKenzie Daub and Taylor Oliver each adding six kills for Crestview.
For the Lancers, Megan Brzozowski had 28 assists and four aces, Kenzie O’Conner 14 digs and Forsythe 14 kills.
The loss ended the Rebels’ 22-game win streak while Gilmour won for the 11th consecutive outing.
Saturday, Gilmour Academy will play Orrville (21-6) for the regional championship.