Tag Archive for: rebels

AUER REIGNS AS 2023 YSN MOST VALUABLE PLAYER

COLUMBIANA OH- Anyone who watches volleyball in the tri county area understands how talented Crestview is. The roster is loaded with high level volleyball players. But even with all the talent in the world, you still need a leader. For the Rebels that has been senior Grace Auer. Grace is arguably the most well rounded volleyball player that’s ever come through the area.  Have there been better hitters? Maybe. Have there been better setters? Perhaps. Could you find better passers in the long past of area volleyball? Probably.  However good luck finding someone who is elite at all three skills.  Grace in her career at Crestview has amassed 1,000 kills, 1,000 assists, and 1,000 digs.  Our research suggests that she’s the only volleyball player to come through our area to do that.

Grace has meant the world to her team because of her versatility.  Whether it’s putting balls away, setting up the other good hitters, or getting the Rebels in system there is so much that Rebels would not be able to do without Auer’s help.

On the season Grace has finished with 370 kills, and averaged 4.5 per set.  On the setting side she gathered 473 assists.  When it comes to defense, Grace dug up 281 digs. She only made 2 digging errors all season. She is also Crestview’s Ace Queen owning every record you could own in the serving category. This year she finished with 87 assists.

Congratulations to the 2023 YSN Most Valuable Player, Crestview’s Grace Auer!

REBELS NOT DENIED A SPOT IN REGIONAL FINALS

BARBERTON OH- In a remarkable and long-awaited turn of events, Crestview’s girls’ volleyball team has punched their ticket to the Regional Final for the first time since 2004, sweeping aside Smithville with scores of 25-15, 25-14, and a nail-biting 26-24. The Rebels’ stellar performance left fans in awe and marked a historic achievement for the program.

The Crestview squad delivered standout statistics that underscored their dominance on the court. Leading the charge was Grace Auer, who secured a triple-double with an astonishing 21 kills, 17 assists, and 19 digs. Her remarkable all-around performance set the tone for the entire match.

Abbey Emch was another pivotal contributor, amassing 11 kills, 17 digs, and 5 blocks, earning herself a well-deserved double-double. The combination of offensive prowess and defensive resilience was a driving force behind Crestview’s success.

Lainy Auer, displaying her versatility, contributed 21 assists, 5 kills, and 11 digs, achieving her double-double status. With her adept setting and strong presence on the court, she ensured the team’s dynamic offense remained in top form.

The defensive side of the game was anchored by Emily Downey, who showcased her prowess with 13 digs and delivered the match-clinching point with 3 aces. Julia Blasko and Natalie Blakeman contributed with 16 and 9 digs, respectively, ensuring that Crestview remained solid on the defensive end.

With this sensational victory, Crestview now advances to the Regional Final, where they are set to face off against Mentor Lake Catholic. The highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for Saturday at 2:00 at Barberton.

LIFE IN THE FAST LAIN

COLUMBIANA OH- With a surname steeped in the rich tradition of Crestview’s volleyball legacy, sophomore Lainy Auer has continued to uphold her family’s reputation. As the youngest of three sisters, with two elder siblings who’ve left an indelible mark on the Crestview program, and a mother who serves as the head coach, it might be easy to assume that Lainy was handed her position. However, she’s quick to prove that she’s earned every moment on the court through her sheer determination and undeniable talent.

Inheriting the versatility of her older sister Grace, Lainy excels as both a setter and a hitter. Her ability to seamlessly transition between these roles during rotations makes her a dynamic offensive force, providing the team with a constant threat that can put up a triple-double on any given night. Her skills extend to the back row as well, where she adds an extra layer of defensive prowess to her already impressive repertoire.

Lainy’s leadership on the floor is a testament to her maturity and adaptability, even as one of the younger players on the team. Her past experiences in club volleyball have accustomed her to setting and leading older teammates, effectively bridging the age gap without hesitation.

Looking at her impressive 2023 season stats, it’s clear that Lainy is a force to be reckoned with. She has amassed 182 kills at an impressive 2.3 per set, with a remarkable .334 hitting percentage. Her contributions aren’t limited to offense, as she’s also accumulated 205 digs, 16 blocks, and an impressive 56 aces.

As Lainy and the Rebels prepare to face Smithville in the upcoming regional semifinals, it’s abundantly clear that she’s a central pillar of their success. Her individual achievements, coupled with her family’s legacy, paint a promising picture for the future of Crestview volleyball. The Regional Semifinals will be  on Thursday in Barberton at 6:00.

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CRESTVIEW VOLLEYBALL COACH’S CORNER (EP 2) WITH ALISHA AUER

COLUMBIANA OH-  Crestview has done it again! For the 5th consecutive season they are district champions! This time around they beat Kirtland in 4 sets to advance to Barberton.  The Rebels are trying to take the next step and win a Regional Semifinal for the first time in those 5 years.  They’ll have a program in front of them that is just as familiar with this round as they are. Crestview prepares to take on Smithville in Barberton.

Crestview head coach Alisha Auer joined YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to recap the season to this point, and give us a solid preview of Thursday’s matchup.  Check out Episode 2 of Coach’s Corner with Alisha Auer!

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ITS NATURAL FOR NATALIE

COLUMBIANA OH- Earning a spot on the court  alongside the talented Crestview roster is no small feat. With a team packed with exceptional players, the challenge to secure a role can be daunting. However, junior defensive specialist Natalie Blakeman took that challenge head-on and ran with it. Today, she stands as an integral part of the team, contributing her skills in a straightforward yet crucial role – playing solid defense.

Blakeman’s prowess in the back row is nothing short of tremendous and has been a driving force behind Crestview’s smooth offensive execution. In a sport where the first touch can set the tone for the entire play, Natalie consistently delivers, ensuring that Crestview remains in system and ready to attack.

Statistically, Blakeman’s impact is evident, with an impressive 141 digs this season and a mere 7 digging errors. Furthermore, she has showcased her versatility by tallying 87 serve receives, proving her reliability in multiple aspects of the game.

It’s often said that role players like Natalie Blakeman are the glue that separates good teams from great teams. Her consistent defensive performance ensures that the Crestview offense can operate with precision, turning defense into a powerful offensive weapon.

As Crestview prepares for the Regional Semifinal, scheduled for Thursday at 6:00 at Barberton High School against Smithville, Natalie’s contribution becomes all the more vital. She exemplifies the dedication and teamwork that make Crestview a formidable force in the region.

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CRESTVIEW MAKES IT FIVE IN A ROW

MEDINA OH- Crestview Volleyball continued their dominant run as they clinched their 5th consecutive district championship and their 8th overall under the seasoned guidance of head coach Alisha Auer. The team showcased their excellence by defeating Kirtland in a thrilling four-set match with scores of 25-19, 16-25, 25-23, and 25-20. Kirtland emerged as only the second team this season to win a set against the formidable Crestview squad.

Crestview’s performance was nothing short of stellar, with several key players making significant contributions. Grace Auer was a standout with an exceptional triple-double, tallying 21 kills, 18 assists, and 18 digs. Abbey Emch also had a standout double-double performance, amassing 18 kills and 14 digs. Lainey Auer chipped in with 7 kills, 22 assists, and 6 digs, while Julia Blasko held down the defensive end with 15 digs.

With their district championship secure, Crestview now sets their sights on the Regional Semifinals. They are poised to face Smithville in their upcoming matchup, scheduled for Thursday at 6:00 at Barberton High School.

LATE GAME PUSH LIFTS LAKERS OVER REBELS

Photo Credit: Kelly York Summers

Andover, OH- In a electric OHSAA 1st round matchup in Andover, the Pymatuning Valley Lakers took on the Crestview Rebels in a hard-fought battle that would decide their playoff fate. The first half of the game saw both teams locked in a defensive struggle, resulting in no scores in either the first or second quarter.

The game’s turning point came in the third quarter, with 6:41 left on the clock, when Crestview’s Jameson English connected with Joey Carr for a 5-yard touchdown pass, followed by a successful extra point. This put the Rebels ahead 7-0, putting pressure on the Lakers.

However, the Lakers responded with determination, as Ty Vickery powered through the defense for a 1-yard touchdown run, and a successful 2-point conversion put Pymatuning Valley ahead 8-7 with 1:41 left in the third quarter.

As the game entered the fourth quarter, Crestview reclaimed the lead with Max Hawkins 1-yard touchdown run and an extra point, making it 14-8 with 6:25 remaining. But the Lakers weren’t ready to give up. With 2:51 left in the game, Ty Vickery once again proved his worth, scoring a crucial 5-yard touchdown, and a successful 2-point conversion, this time completed by Ryan Croston, put the Lakers ahead 16-14.

The game’s defining moment occurred on that last 2-point conversion when an initially injured Ryan Croston was stopped on the line but pushed across by teammate Ty Vickery, sealing the victory for Pymatuning Valley.

With a final score of Pymatuning Valley 16 – Crestview 14, the Lakers secured their fourth consecutive playoff appearance. The Lakers, now with an 8-3 record, are set to face the Mogadore Hornets (9-2) on the road in the second round of the OHSAA playoffs, while the Crestview Rebels (5-6) concluded their season with this hard-fought loss. It was a memorable and emotional night for the Lakers and their fans as they look forward to the challenges of the postseason.

CRESTVIEW CRUISES TO DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP

By Ty Bartell

MEDINA OH- When it comes to the state tournament in volleyball, district championships have become synonymous with The Crestview Rebels. In the midst of yet another impressive season, The Rebels rode into a district semi-final matchup on Wednesday evening, sporting a perfect 24-0 record and the #2 seed in the Division 3, Region 9, Northeast 1 bracket. The team opposing them in the match? A very talented Dalton Bulldogs squad, representing the #14 seed and sported a deceiving 12-12 record prior. With a ticket to the District Championship on the line and both teams’ fan bases following them in bunches, it made for an electric atmosphere in Medina High School!

Crestview grabbed an early lead in the opening set and despite some battle back from Dalton, The Rebels would put together key rallies to claim the opener 25-18, taking a 1-0 set advantage. Dalton made it a point to play from in front in the second set and that they did, grabbing an early advantage and holding it for a while. The Rebels would clean up the serve-receive and mounted another comeback in a set on the season, winning a close battle 25-22 in set two! The Rebels would not hold anything back in set three, playing with all the momentum, Crestview grabbed the initial lead and never let it go, winning the set 25-12 and the match in straight sets 3-0 over Dalton.

“Ms. Triple-Double” Grace Auer was dazzling in another premier performance posting 15 kills, 23 assists, 10 digs and 4 blocks in the match! Abby Emch was a two-way force with a 13 kill and 10 dig double-double. Julia Blasko also got it done on both sides with 8 kills and 9 digs of her own. Might as well call Lainy Auer “Ms. Triple-Double jr” as she notched 12 kills, 14 assists and 18 digs in the win!

Crestview (25-0) will now meet Kirtland (16-8) in the District Championship match on Saturday, October 28th at Medina High School with a 7 p.m. start time. Keep updated with all Crestview Rebels athletics scores, stats, stories and more on YSN!

CRESTVIEW BRINGS OUT THEIR BEST

COLUMBIANA OH- In a highly anticipated Week 10 matchup, Crestview brought their A-game, creating problems for LaBrae as they emerged victorious with a commanding 28-7 win. The first quarter saw LaBrae taking an early lead when Treyton Derry executed a 14-yard touchdown run at 6:14. However, Crestview responded swiftly, with Max Hawkins mirroring the feat with his own 14-yard touchdown run, bringing the score level at 7-7 with 3:31 remaining in the quarter. The second quarter remained scoreless, setting the stage for a decisive second half.

Crestview seized control in the third quarter, with Max Hawkins proving to be a game-changer once again. He embarked on an 18-yard touchdown run at 7:12, granting Crestview a 14-7 lead. The momentum continued as Mikey Proctor broke free for an electrifying 76-yard touchdown run at 3:52, extending Crestview’s lead to 21-7.

The final quarter saw no let-up from Crestview. Max Hawkins added the finishing touch with a 16-yard touchdown run at 3:29, sealing the game at 28-7. The final whistle confirmed Crestview’s well-deserved victory, a result of their impressive performance and an outstanding effort on both sides of the ball.

REBELS BREAK THROUGH BEACHWOOD INTO DISTRICTS

COLUMBIANA OH- Crestview’s volleyball team displayed their dominance and determination in the sectional final, as they powered their way to a convincing victory over Beachwood. The Rebels made quick work of their opponents, securing a straight-set win with scores of 25-2, 25-6, and 25-9, which propelled them into the upcoming district tournament.

The match was marked by several impressive individual performances from the Crestview squad. Grace Auer was an absolute standout, delivering a remarkable triple-double performance with 16 kills, 14 assists, and an impressive 12 aces. Her 23 service points showcased her consistency and precision from the service line, setting the tone for Crestview’s dominance.

Abbey Emch contributed with 7 kills and 9 crucial digs, underlining her importance as an offensive threat and defensive presence. Lydia Campbell showcased her blocking skills with 5 kills and 1 block, adding to Crestview’s strong net play. Lainy Auer displayed her versatility with 4 kills, 19 assists, 4 aces, and 15 service points, ensuring Crestview’s well-rounded performance.

With this impressive victory, Crestview secured a berth in the district semifinals, where they will face Dalton on Wednesday, October 25th, at Medina High School with a 6:00 pm start time.