Big Walnut falls to Padua in volleyball final

Seeking the first Division II volleyball championship in program history, Big Walnut left instead with its third runner-up finish Saturday after a 25-20, 25-14, 25-10 loss to Parma Padua in the final at Wright State’s Nutter Center.

Abby Leigh had 16 kills to lead Padua (25-4) past the Golden Eagles (25-4) to secure its fourth state title and second in four years. Samantha Ott added nine kills for Padua, Ella Mihacevich made 36 assists and Elise Gray had 19 digs.

Machaela Podraza had nine kills and 12 assists to lead Big Walnut, which led 14-10 in the first set before falling into an 18-18 tie. Padua reeled off the next three points — two on kills by Leigh — before closing it out. The only lead for the Eagles in the second set was 1-0 and Padua never trailed in the third.

The Eagles were in the state final four for the seventh time, dating to their first appearance in 1991. Emma Urhammer chipped in five kills and Meredith Thomas had nine digs. The loss snapped a 14-match winning streak for the Eagles and longtime coach Ron Lehman.

“I thought we came out OK, but I think our inexperience of being at this level came through as the match went on,” Lehman said. “Padua played great defense and we just couldn’t put a ball away.” Boys soccer

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