FORWARD — Catholic Central’s Natalie Cherebko steps up to send the ball past Rosecrans’ Kinsley McVicker, Izzy DiMattiou and Ellie Warden during Wednesday’s tournament game at Mickey Barber Gymnasium. . – Andrew Grimm
STEUBENVILLE — Catholic Central’s veteran volleyball coach Sherry Barber wanted her team to come out strong in Wednesday’s tournament opener.
In what was the final game inside Mickey Barber Gymnasium, her team’s senior group led the way in doing just that.
The Crusaders won the first set against visiting Bishop Rosecrans by a commanding margin of 25-6 and carried that momentum into the next round, winning the second set 25-16 and the third set. The match was decided with a score of 25-19.
“It’s nice to get a tournament win at home for this group,” Barber said. “They deserved it, they played well. It’s their fifth straight win and they played well in the OVAC repechage. I hope they’re peaking at the right time.
“The girls worked hard all season. They were ready from the beginning and didn’t want the season to end.”
Central (14-8), the No. 6 seed in the Division VII East 2 bracket, will advance to face No. 3 seed Strasbourg at a venue to be determined in the regional semifinals on Monday.
Rosecrans (3-18) opened a 7-2 lead in the third set trying to keep their season alive, but Central rallied to tie it at 16-all and score nine of the final 12 points for the sweep. finished.
“I had 17 aces in the third set and hit the ball well,” Barber added. “I’m playing really well right now, so I hope I can continue like this.”
For Central, Eva Marcino had 12 kills, 13 assists, 6 aces and 25 points, Lily Balzano had 10 kills, 9 assists and 6 points, Natalie Cherebko had 14 kills, 5 aces and 13 points, and Emily Walker had 11 kills. took the lead. , 5 aces and 16 points.
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