The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Beavers developing confidence heading into the postseason
Riverside traveled to Kenston Oct. 3 undefeated in Western Reserve Conference play since Ali Schultz took over as the Beavers’ head coach in 2016.
After four sets, Kenston, up 12-9 late in the fifth set, was poised to add the first tally to Riverside’s league loss column in three seasons.
Brooke Meznarich’s kill pulled the Beavers within two and put senior setter Aubrey Low at the service line. Blocks by Olivia Bell and Jen Sivak tied the score and Avery Tracz’s kill gave Riverside its first lead of the set. Later tied, 14-14, kills from Sivak and Kate Tracz completed the Beavers’ third straight undefeated WRC regular season.
Riverside heads into the WRC conference tournament in a familiar position, but under different circumstances. Olivia Maczuzak, Jen Durra, and Kylie Osborn led a senior-laden team to last year’s Division I Euclid District title. Those players now compete collegiately, leaving Schultz to develop a new core of hitters.
The main difference between this year’s Beavers and Schultz’s teams of the past isn’t talent, but experience
“Last year we had a lot of girls that had a lot of knowledge,” Reigle said. “This year we have a younger team and we had to build that build knowledge, build those skills to create things like last year.”
Low is a team captain this season, alongside senior defensive specialist Christine Gordos.
“We’ve definitely had to step up as leaders,” Low said. “Last year, they all knew what they were doing and now we have such a younger team, we’ve really had to fill that role as captains.”
Around their ballhandlers, the Beavers have cultivated an array of weapons. Sophomores Kate and Avery Tracz have stepped up on the outside, junior Olivia Bell complements the offense on the right side. Sivak, a sophomore, and junior Cassie Jordan anchor the middle.
Sivak’s emerged as a dominant force for Riverside. She recorded 104 kills, third-most on the team, in 59 sets as a freshman. She leads this year’s team with three kills per set and 34 blocks. A 6-foot middle blocker, Sivak’s potential was obvious but her focus remained team-oriented.
“I’ve definitely kept a positive, open-minded attitude around my teammates,” Sivak said, “just trying to make sure they know the new girls, even though I’m still new, they know what we’re all about.”
In a search for leadership, Schultz has seen it manifest through Sivak’s play.
“Even though she’s only a sophomore,” Schultz said, “she might not be a captain, but the team really looks to her and thrives off of her energy because she just plays with a lot of dominance and a lot of confidence on the court. I think she really is a lot more of a leader than she might even realize.”
After the WRC tournament, Riverside returns to the Euclid District tournament. There, the Beavers hope to continue their tradition of jumping into Euclid’s indoor pool after a district championship.
Riverside’s season began with a four-set loss to Mentor. The last four district titles have been decided between the Beavers and Cardinals. A fifth straight district title match between the two seems likely, where Schultz is eager to see Riverside’s development measured.
“They’ve come full circle, basically,” Schultz said. “If you think about what we looked like when we played Mentor in the beginning of the season, we looked like a completely different team. I’m excited to see where we end up in the last part of the season.” Athletes of the week
Mckenna Kocin
Would like to attend Kent State and major in interior design. Favorite subject is art.
Mick Lawrence
Carried 20 times for 213 yards and two touchdowns in the Tigers’ win over Orange. Enjoys making videos and playing chess. Favorite place to eat is Piada. Favorite classes are history and business.
Brenna Yerse
In three matches, recorded eight aces, 30 kills, and 34 digs. Played out of position due to an injury. Would like to attend the University of Cincinnati and become a physical therapist assistant.
Jack Robinson
Ran for 260 yards on 29 carries and a touchdown in a win over Padua. Also had seven solo tackles. Enjoys playing Fortnite and spending time with friends. Is on the 4x400 and 4x800-meter relays in the spring.
Madeline C. Kerestman
Went 2-0 with wins against Beaumont and Hawken. “Maddie” is a Concord Township resident. Favorite place to travel is Sanibel Island for the beach and the sun. Loves ice cream, especially Mitchell’s.
Vinny Catanese
Six months removed from ACL surgery, returned to the lineup to help the Lancers win four of five matches. Shaker Heights resident wants to play baseball in college. Is a diehard Cleveland sports fan.
Jenna Hoeh
Had two assists in a 3-0 win over Chardon. Scored a goal in a 3-0 win over South. Will play soccer at Earlham College. Favorite food is pizza. Favorite show is “Parks and Rec.”
Jake Reid
In a victory over Akron SVSM, had eight catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns. “Snake” plans on playing football in college. Enjoys playing cornhole and watching Netflix.
Varsity coaches from all sports can nominate athletes for Players of the Week until 8 p.m. every Monday. They can be emailed to Scores@News-Herald.com. We do not take nominations via social media or text message.