STYLE AND GRACE, BEAVERS SNAP STREAK
EAST LIVERPOOL, OH- The Beaver Local volleyball team snapped a 3 game losing streak on Thursday Night with a hard-fought 3 set victory, 25-20, 28-26, 25-22, over the Saint Clairsville Red Devils in Buckeye 8 and OVAC action. Even though the Beavers did not lose a set, this match was anything but easy.
After winning the first set without trailing, the Beavers fell behind by as much as 7-13 midway through the second set. But the Beavers, led by sophomores Elizabeth Kolkowski, Grace Hill, & Brooke Talbot, mounted a furious comeback to eventually win the second set by using their height advantage to set up many blocks and kills. Then during the third set 2 disputed calls went in favor of the Beavers. The first call was over a tipped ball by a Red Devils player while the Red Devils held a slim 11-13 lead. Originally the point went in favor of Saint Clairsville but Beaver Local coach Sarah Lowe argued the ball was tipped by the opposition. After the officials held a conference, the call was reversed in favor of the Beavers. Then late in the third set with the score tied 20-20 a net violation by the Red Devils originally was not called. But after the Beaver Local bench disputed the call the officials once again talked the play over and reversed the call. Soon afterward the Beavers won the third set and the match.
Leading the way for the Beavers was Elizabeth Kolkowski with 11 kills, 7 digs & 4 blocks, Brooke Talbot with 11 kills, 6 digs & 1 block, Grace Hill with 5 blocks, 4 blocks & 2 digs, Karlee Furman with 23 assists, 6 digs & 2 kills, Cierrah Thurik with 17 digs & an ace & Kodi Kinsey with 16 digs.
The Beavers are now 14-6 while Saint Clairsville is now 9-10. With the victory, Beaver Local is one of 4 teams that has qualified for the OVAC tournament in Class 4A. The semifinals & location will be announced by the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference on Friday with the matches taking place on Tuesday.
*Story contributed by YSN Beaver Local Beat Reporter, Jason Hannum.
