DREAM STATE

Unionville sweeps to District 1 title, secures berth in state tournament

EAST MARLBOROUGH » Unionville captured its first girls volleyball district title in a quarter century in impressive fashion, sweeping past Council Rock North, 3-0, in the PIAA District 1 4A championship final at Unionville High School on Thursday.

Unionville (12-0), the top seed in the District 1 4A bracket, built small early leads in each of the three sets, then gradually increased those leads as the contests wore on.

The hosts posted scores of 25-13, 25-17 and 25-14 against a third-seeded Council Rock squad that had dropped only two sets all season and came into the contest with a 14-0 record.

After the methodical, workmanlike three-set win, the Unionville players let their emotions flow.

“I was so excited when the game was over — I feel like we’re making history with this season,” said Unionville senior outside hitter Sophie Brenner, who pitched in with 15 kills. “We really have a special connection with each other on this team; we work so

well together. I’m going to remember everything about tonight; I just love this team so much and I’m going to remember the friendships that I made with this team [most of all].”

“It was so exciting when the final game ended and we were district champs,” said Unionville senior setter Ashlyn Wiswall, who dished out 21 assists Thursday night. “We hadn’t won Districts in a long time, and our competitiveness, positive attitude and energy have really contributed to our success this season.”

PETE BANNAN — MEDIANEWS GROUP Unionville’s Sophie Brenner (12) and Ashlyn Wiswall hold up the the District 1 Class 4A championship trophy after defeating Council Rock North, three sets to none, Thursday evening at Unionville High School.