Tag Archive for: Elyria Catholic

GIRARD VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 2) WITH PHIL WALTERS

GIRARD OH – The excitement is palpable as the Girard volleyball team prepares for an important regional semi-final matchup against Elyria Catholic tomorrow night at Berkshire High School. Head Coach Phil Walters, leading this resurgent squad, is optimistic yet cautious after a hard-fought season filled with tough competition and invaluable lessons learned.

“It’s been an incredible journey,” Coach Walters shared during the latest episode of YSN’s “Coach’s Corner.” “Our girls have worked tirelessly, and it’s great to see their efforts culminating in this district championship. But we’re not done yet. The focus now is on the challenge Elyria Catholic presents.” This season, Girard’s volleyball team has shown formidable resilience, enduring a grueling schedule with notable victories against top-ranked teams. The impressive win over Columbiana in a district semi-final match, despite facing a roaring away crowd, speaks volumes about the squad’s tenacity.

“We’ve played some of the toughest teams around, and it’s prepared us well for the post-season,” Walters noted. “Facing teams like Marlington, Lakeview, and others has made our girls grow, adapt, and respond under pressure.” Coach Walters also highlighted the pivotal role of his seniors—Nico Cochran, Alexis Beaton, and Bailey—whose hunger and dedication have been the driving force behind the team’s success. “Senior leadership is crucial. They know every game could be their last, and that intensity is unmatched,” Walters explained. “Their commitment and motivation have carried us this far.”

Fans are encouraged to come out in full support as the Girard squad takes on Elyria Catholic. The team thrives on the energy from a strong fan base, which has been crucial in previous matches. “We haven’t been in a regional semi since 2011,” Walters pointed out. “Having a big crowd there makes a difference. It motivates the girls and elevates their performance. We’re inviting everyone to come and be a part of this significant moment.” Join us in Berkshire tomorrow night to cheer on Girard as they aim for a spot in the regional finals. A victory could set up a thrilling all-YSN regional championship, with Crestview slated to play the late game.

 

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RAIDERS HISTORIC RUN FALLS SHORT AGAINST ELYRIA

CUYAHOGA FALLS OH- South Range was ready to go Saturday for their first regional championship in program history. They fell in a hard fought game to Elyria Catholic 51-37.

The Raiders jumped out to a impressive start, much like their semifinal win against Champion. They forced turnovers, and jumped out to an 11-4 lead in the first frame. Elyria calmed themselves down quick though and ended the quarter on a 5-0 run to only trail 11-9 after a quarter. The Panthers has 8 seniors on their roster, and this was their third straight regional championship. That experience helped them out a ton in moments where most teams would panic. Their defense, especially down low gave the Raiders problems in the second quarter. Lexi Giles hit a couple threes in the frame to save the Raiders from a disasterous halftime deficit. Instead, it was only three, 22-19.

Out of the half Elyria would create the separation they would need. The Panthers put together a 7-0 run out of the break to go up 29-18. With the way the Panthers were playing defense, 11 points felt like 20. However, the ever resilient Raiders scrapped back to close the quarter on a 10-4 run and make it 32-28 heading into the 4th. Elyria once again pushed forward to start the final frame. They got their lead back up to 9, but Izzy Lamparty gave the Raiders a four point swing grabbing an offensive rebound off a missed second free throw, putting in the bucket, and hitting the foul shot with it. It cut the Panther lead to 41-36. Unfortunately that was the Raiders last gasp as Elyria used a flurry of free throws towards the end of the game to go on a 10-1 run.

Izzy Lamparty led the Raiders with 13 points. Lexi Giles hit three treys and finished with 12. Bree Kohler was also in double figure with 10.

The Raiders end their season with a 21-7 record, and earn their first regional finalist trophy as a program.