Several central Ohio teams have eyes set on state titles
With the postseason about a month away, several central Ohio girls volleyball teams have state title aspirations.
In Division I, Olentangy Orange is the area’s highest-ranked team in the state poll (No. 4). The Pioneers are followed by Dublin Scioto (No. 7), Watterson (No. 15), Pickerington Central (No. 18) and Pickerington North (No. 19).
In Division II, Bloom-carroll is No. 4, followed by Hartley (No. 8), Circleville (No. 13) and Highland (No. 14).
Newark Catholic is ranked 13th in Division III, ahead of Fairbanks (No. 15) and Johnstown (No. 19).
Shekinah Christian is ranked 15th in Division IV.
Here are five storylines from the girls volleyball season so far:
Regular-season schedule testing Orange
Olentangy Orange has its sights set on winning more than the Occ-central title.
The Pioneers (14-3) lead the league at 5-0, ahead of Olentangy Liberty (7-9, 3-2) and Hilliard Davidson (8-7, 3-2). Last season, Orange finished second (8-2) to Liberty (9-1) and went on to lose to Dublin Jerome 25-22, 25-20, 20-25, 16-25, 15-9 in a district final.
According to coach Katie Duy, a highlight in the first half of the season was finishing second to Mentor Lake Catholic in the Lancer Invitational on Aug. 25 at Gates Mills Gilmour Academy.
“We have had one of the toughest schedules in the state that challenges us weekly,” Duy said. “All of our players are contributing, and our seniors are doing a great job of continuing to lead this team.”
Senior outside hitter/defensive specialist Lily Barron leads Orange with 144 kills, ahead of senior outside hitter/libero Madison Cugino with 123.
Sophomore setter Izzy Scholvin has 355 assists.
Scioto going strong in Occ-capital
After sharing the Occ-capital title with Big Walnut a season ago, with both going 13-1 in league, Dublin Scioto is seeking the outright championship.
The Irish (16-0, 9-0) have the upper hand, having defeated host Big Walnut in straight sets Sept. 14. The teams meet again Oct. 10 at Scioto.
Junior outside hitter Kayden Winbush and senior middle hitter Alec Rothe lead Scioto in kills with 130 and 104, respectively. Junior setter Maddie Zechman has 328 assists.
A Florida commit, Rothe missed her team’s first five matches while playing with the U.S. national team in the International Volleyball Federation Women’s U21 World Championship from Aug. 1726 in Mexico. The U.S. finished sixth.
Pickerington Central extends OCC streak
Central (13-3, 5-0) continues to dominate Occ-buckeye play, running its league winning streak to 35 matches over three and a half seasons.
“Our goal is to be 40-0 by the end of the season and solidify our fourth consecutive Occ-buckeye crown,” coach Jeannie Krueger said.
Senior outside hitter Myriah Massey leads in kills and sophomore setter Madison Lee leads in assists. Massey will graduate early to play beach volleyball at Florida State.
Highland enjoying solid season
Coming off a Division II district championship, Highland has picked up where it left off last season, standing at 14-3 and 8-2 in the MOAC. The Fighting Scots are second in the league behind Galion (9-1).
“We’ve had a great start to the season,” coach Rob Terrill said. “With a young team (with one senior in the lineup), we’ve been playing tough and working well together. Our schedule is difficult, and we’ve played more four-, five-set matches than typical, so I think we’re battle-tested to make a late-season run, including the state tournament.”
Junior right-side hitter/outsider hitter Kameron Stover leads in kills (388) and junior setter Larsen Terrill leads in assists (495).
Shekinah Christian leading MOCAL
Shekinah Christian is 12-1 and 9-0 in the MOCAL as it seeks its second consecutive league title.
Junior outside hitter Hailey Campagna leads in kills (227) and senior setter Ali Giddens leads in assists (219).
Last season, the Flames lost to Fisher Catholic 25-18, 17-25, 25-21, 25-18 in a district semifinal.