TROY – The Tri-Village volleyball team tournament run ends at the DIV District game to Russia who defeated the Patriots 25-19, 25-16, 15-25, 25-16.
Russia came out strong and aggressive grabbing the lead going up 7-3 and the Patriots found themselves playing from behind but was able to keep withing striking distance most of the set trailing 12-10, 15-12, 20-15 … but just could get enough points strung together to overcome the Raider lead dropping the 1st set 26-19.
The second set was much like the first with the Raiders getting out in front and TV playing from behind. They would also make several uncharacteristic mistakes compounding the ability to get into a rhythm as Russia took the 2nd set 25-16.
In the third set the Patriots looked like a team who turned the corner playing more spirited as they found their rhythm jumping ahead of Russia 9-1 behind the serving of Morgan Hunt and some big hits by Meghan Downing causing the Raiders to use a timeout, but Tri-Village kept the hammer down with middle hitter Madi Mead also pounding down shots as TV went up 15-3 and another timeout by Russia.
The Raiders responded and closed the gap to 16-7 but the Patriots continued their strong play to win the set 25-15.
Tri-Village looked like they were going to continue their improved play in the fourth set springing to a 4-1 lead on a Maria Petry kill, then led 11-7 before the Raiders found a groove with their outside hitter slamming a few over the net to tie the game at 11, then surging ahead 17-11 on a 10-point run to turn the momentum in their favor.
Tri-Village was never able to recover unable to string enough points in a row as Russia went on to win set 25-16 and match earning the District Title.
The Patriots finished with a 22-4 record, 11-0 in the Western Ohio Athletic Conference winning the league championship, a sectional championship and as district runner-up.
It wasn’t the outcome Tri-Village hoped for as they graduate 7 seniors who had a huge impact over the last 4 years in the success of the Patriots volleyball program.
Ashlynn Wilson, Molly Scantland, Madi Mead, Meghan Downing, Maria Petry, Maddie Bennett and Caeli Updike played their last game for Tri-Village and leave behind an impressive record over the last few years including two league titles, two sectional titles and a District Championship.
