Pirates win first conference title in 31 years

Rocky River swept Normandy on the road Oct. 10 to claim a share of the Great Lakes Conference championship, the Pirates’ first conference title in 31 years.

The Pirates dominated from the start, never letting Normandy get within 20 points, and used a balanced attack on offense that has become a Rocky River staple.

Junior Ava Rauser had a game-high 13 kills and four blocks for Rocky River (18-4, 11-1). Olivia Young added 11 kills and a block, Emily Stanciu had eight kills and two blocks and Rachael Waite had four kills and a block for the Pirates.

Senior Callie Cmiel continued her run as one of the area’s top setters with 33 assists, and said the overall energy, from

the court to the bench and even the parents and fans in the stands, kept the team focused on the task at hand.

“I think we all wanted it a lot and this was something we’ve obviously been looking for and I think our offense was working well,” Cmiel said. “Our serving went well which is what kept us in the game and especially the energy in the stands today, it was helping and it was awesome that all our parents were here.”

Coach Karlee Bruck agreed, saying her team had tunnel vision when it came to finally winning a conference title and it

showed in the energy and focus she saw on the court.

“Nothing really rattled them regardless of what was called or what was happening on the court, they kind of just let it go and moved on to that next point,” Bruck said.

“I thought they weathered some of the stuff that was happening really well.”

Katie Gale and Cara Potocki each had five kills for Normandy, Halle Bogas added four kills and Katey Stakolich had 12 assists.

Rocky River, the No. 3 seed in the Division II Parma Heights District, drew a first-round bye in the postseason and awaits the winner of No. 11 Keystone and No. 6 Bay for a sectional final match at Holy Name Oct. 21.