Lakewood rallies to win district volleyball title
The Rangers trailed by two sets before closing out a 17-15 fifth-set victory over Twinsburg on Wednesday.
By Lily Carter ·
Lakewood High School volleyball has a new district champion. The Rangers defeated Twinsburg on Wednesday, 10-28, after falling behind two sets to one in front of a home crowd.
The match began with Lakewood dominance. The team won the first two sets, taking the 25-15 and 25-19 lead. However, Twinsburg shifted momentum in the middle of the contest. The Tigers won the third set 25-21 and the fourth set 25-22, forcing a deciding fifth set.
Reserves provided the momentum shift needed to stay alive in the final frame. Kara Laidley served five consecutive points to give Lakewood a 14-11 lead. Twinsburg answered by tying the score at 14, and then 15. The game remained tight until the final points.
Ari Hueter finished the match with a kill on a set from Mia Dugan. A subsequent Tiger spike went long, sealing the 17-15 win for the Rangers. The final score was 25-15, 25-19, 21-25, 22-25, 17-15.
Indigo Moncrief and Tess Thrasher delivered their strongest performances of the season. Moncrief recorded strong blocks and hits, while Thrasher, a top libero in the conference, made key defensive saves. Head Coach Terry Spilker’s team will now advance to the Sweet 16 round.
The Rangers’ regular starters included Ari Hueter, Laine Sheehan, and Alyssa Volcansek. Clio Burgoyne led the blocking efforts, while Mia Dugan and Aliyah Plicka handled the setting. Addi Hoy provided stability in the back row throughout the match.
