The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Kenston eyeing WRC crown
Bombers 3-0 in league in early going, aiming to wrest title from Riverside
Kenston finished the 2017 season as the runner-up to Western Reserve Conference champion Riverside. The Beavers went undefeated in league play.
The Bombers, winners of 11 of their first 12 matches in 2018, appear on track to contend again for the WRC crown. Kenston improved to 3-0 in conference play after a 3-1 win at South on Sept. 6.
Junior Abby Bednar points to her team’s camaraderie as a determining factor in the Bombers’ potential.
“I feel that we’re trying to come together as a team more this season,” Bednar said. “We’re just working together and most importantly, we have energy, we work hard as a team and we place smart shots. I think that will get us the win in the WRC.”
Bednar, a 5-foot-11 middle and outside hitter, leads Kenston’s offense alongside senior hitter Allison Kosinski and fellow junior Rachel Apshago. Kosinski leads the team with 2.8 kills per set and the Bombers hit 25.6 percent as a team.
Kenston is trying to play faster on offense this season. Coach Tara Everts, who replaced Jim Moore earlier this season, credits senior libero Anna Rini and junior setter Marcie Oglesbee for their role in the offense.
Everts, previously the junior varsity coach, has coached Oglesbee since her freshman year. Oglesbee leads the area with 10.2 assists per set and is capable of poaching a few points, too.
“She has beautiful hands,” Everts said. “She can place the ball where she wants, whether it’s on our side or dumping it on the other side.”
Rini leads the team with 3.2 digs per set. The Bombers’ offense is often able to remain in system behind Rini’s steady serve reception.
“Anna is just everywhere,” Everts said. “She’ll be in one space and then she’ll be in another. She’s just so quick and so fast and so smart with the ball.”
Through 3 1/2 weeks, Kenston’s lone loss came to Walsh Jesuit. Since, the Bombers have won seven matches in a row. After a victory against Normandy on Sept. 11, Kenston has won 30 of the 36 sets they’ve played.
The Bombers match up with North Royalton on Sept. 12, then host North on Sept. 13. Kenston takes one of its toughest tests of the season at Lake Catholic on Sept. 17 and the Bombers’ final match of the regular season at home against Riverside on Oct. 2 could again decide the WRC.
“I have full confidence in this team that they can win the WRC,” Everts said.
Bednar, who has attention from college coaches, carries her expectations a step further.
Last year, as a No. 2 seed at the Division I Solon District, the Bombers were eliminated by No. 3 Solon in a district semifinal.
“We have a lot of talent,” Bednar said. “I’m really hoping we get further in districts than last year. I’m really excited to see where this team can go.”