Seniors help Truckers secure NOL title

Leadership has been a huge factor for Norwalk’s success and the results showed on senior night.

The Truckers (17-4) defeated the Sandusky Blue Streaks (3-13) in three sets to pick up their 17th win of the season and secured the Northern Ohio League title on Oct. 7.

With all six seniors on the court, Norwalk made quick work of the match, securing the win, 25-6, 25-8 and 25-13.

Truckers coach Angie Kalizewski said playing all six seniors strayed from the norm, but the group of leaders playing together made a special moment.

“You don’t usually get the chance to do that very often, so we were excited to be able to do that this year,” Kalizewski said.

The seniors were honored before the match, but Kalizewski said the group kept their

Volleyball emotions in check and focused on the match. Though the excitement of keeping all six seniors on the court was high, Kalizewski said she told her squad they would revert to the normal lineup if things went astray.

“With this group, it was pretty easy. They just wanted to play,” Kalizewski said.

Senior Alicia Lortcher led the Truckers with 18 kills and nine digs, while Sydney Obringer tallied nine kills and 12 digs. Obringer leads the team with 287 kills on the season, while Lortcher ranks second in kills with 255. As four-year starters, Lortcher and Obringer have been huge components to the team’s success.

“They’ve played amazing the whole time and have stepped up big time into a leadership role not only on, but off the court,” Kalizewski said. “We wouldn’t be the same without them.”

Kalizewski also noted the collective leadership from all six seniors, including Shayla McGuckin, Alexa Perry, India Islam and Erica Leber.

“They really made a decision that it was going to be all about team this year and they’re going to do their best,” Kalizewski said. “They’ve got goals set, and that’s what they’re really working to meet.”

Among Norwalk’s goals was securing the league title. The Truckers are undefeated in conference play with an 11-0 NOL record. From here on out, Norwalk’s sights will be set on sectional and district and a possible state run, where they 31st.

Kalizewski is confident in her team’s versatility, which she feels is its biggest strength. She said her players are resilient and adapt to change with ease, making them an easy squad to lead.

“I throw a lot at them when I need to and they don’t really bat an eye at it,” Kalizewski said. “They do it without questioning or asking.”

The Truckers head to Ontario for the final match of the regular season Oct. 9.

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