EMCH’S RECORD BREAKING NIGHT LIFTS REBELS TO FOUR PEAT

ORWELL OH- The Orwell district was arguably the hardest volleyball bracket in the state of Ohio in Division III. The list of teams featured four state ranked teams who each had a legitimate chance at winning a district title.  In the end though it would come down to two teams who won district championships a season ago. Finding themselves in the same bracket this year, both Kirtland and Crestview knew there could only be one.  Crestview was ranked 8th in the state, Kirtland was ranked 13th.  The match lived up to what the rankings would make you expect with the Rebels and Hornets trading blows all night long.  Eventually Crestview sophomore Abbey Emch would prove to have too much firepower for Kirtland to handle. Her efforts led the Rebels to a four set victory.  (26-24 25-23 23-25 25-17)

Emch broke her second program record in two tournament rounds. After breaking the record for most total blocks in a game in the semifinals with 16, she broke the record for kills in a match with 34.  She also had 24 digs to finish a massive double double.  Grace Auer put together a triple double with at least 20 in three categories with 20 kills, 29 assists, and 25 digs.  Lainy Auer also managed a double double with 24 assists, and 20 digs.  Ashleigh Hodge led the Rebels in blocks on the night with 5.

For the fourth consecutive year the Rebels will advance to regional bracket in Barberton. They will be matched up with another state ranked opponent in the top team in the state of Ohio, Lake Catholic.  That match is slated for Thursday at 6:00 in Barberton.  The other end of the regional bracket is Waynedale vs Independence.