REBELS CLAIM THE CROWN ADVANCE TO REGIONALS
The stage was set Saturday afternoon for a matchup between two powerhouse volleyball programs. Since 2012 South Range and Crestview have accounted for 4 of the 7 district champions. That being said, neither team had won since 2016, and both teams were excited to be back.
The first set was a wild one. Exactly what you’d expect from these two programs. Crestview opened up with a big 6-1 lead, the Raiders fought back and tied the set at9. The Raiders then took a 16-13 lead and looked like they had control of the set. The Rebels would not be denied though and went on a 5-0 rally to go ahead 18-16. After the Raiders tied it again at 18-18 both teams traded points up to 20-20. An Anna Primavera ace gave the Raiders a 21-20 lead. The Rebels then rattled off 4 points in a row to grab set point at 24-20. The Raiders still fought grabbing two in a row to make 24-22 but the Rebels managed to grab the set 25-22.
Winning such a dramatic back and forth set one propelled the Rebels to a dominate set two. Everything was working for the Rebels offense. Even though the Raiders actually hit a higher attack percentage in set two, they never could get close to Crestview who rolled 25- 13.
When the Rebels came out in set three it looked certain that they were going to cruise to a third set win. The Rebels jumped out to a quick 7-2 lead. The Raiders however never let the lead get bigger than 6 in the set. They chipped away at the lead constantly staying in striking distance. But unlike set one, the Raiders couldn’t push ahead of the Rebels. The closest they got to the Rebels was three. Crestview closed out the set on a Raiders service error to take the set, the match, and the championship. The set scores were (25-22 25-13 25-21).
For the Raiders leading the way were Anna Primavera and Abby George who each had 6 kills. Primavera added an ace and 5 digs, George added 2 blocks. Emily Irons finished with 19 assists, 6 digs, and 3 aces. Reagan Irons had 11 digs.
Crestview was led by Tess Neville who had a monstrous 18 kills. She also added 2 aces and 7 digs. Sidney Rambo was also in double figures with 10 kills adding a block, 3 digs, and 4 assists. Lucy Montgomery finished with a double-double having 35 assists and 12 digs. Amelia Montgomery had 17 digs.
Crestview advances to the regional semifinals on Thursday, October 31st at 7:30 vs the winner of Independence vs Brookside. That match will be at Barberton High School.
