Marysville’s Jazmine Williams (8) attempts to get the ball past a Central Crossing blocker Thursday evening. The Lady Monarchs swept the Comets in three sets.
(Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
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“We are a redefined team.”
Those were the words of Marysville High School varsity volleyball coach Bethany Bentz after the Lady Monarchs swept Central Crossing 25-19 25-22, 25-21 on Thursday.
By redefined, Bentz meant that her team is playing with “more energy,” as well as being more “connected and composed.
“When we do that, we can play with anybody,” she said.
The match was a very good test for the Lady Monarchs (4-7 overall and 2-0 in the Ohio Capital Conference Central Division).
They had to withstand a Comet rally in the first set, rallied themselves during the middle game and held off a Central Crossing charge toward the conclusion of the final battle.
MHS went on top 17-9 during the opening game, but the Comets eventually rallied to slice MHS’ margin to 22-17.
A combined block from Sara Berkland and Jazmine Williams later put MHS at game point, 24-18.
A tip of the ball out-of-bounds by the Comets gave Marysville a 1-0 lead in games.
It was Central Crossing’s turn to take the upper hand at the beginning of the ensuing set.
A couple of errant Monarch hits led to a 10-4 lead for the visitors.
Lily Keber’s kill later pulled Marysville to within 18-13 and the home squad continued the battle.
The Comets could not keep the ball in play, resulting in a 22-all stalemate.
Williams gave the Lady Monarchs a 23-22 lead on a block.
Central Crossing hit the ball out of play for an MHS point.
Williams then blasted a kill for the final point and a 2-0 Monarch advantage.
There were early ties at points five and seven during the third set.
Carissa Baker was on the serving line when MHS pulled out to an 11-7 margin.
The Comets battled back to tie the game at 13, forcing a Monarch timeout.
Kaylee Rich’s tip kill returned a 14-13 edge to Marysville, but there were two later ties at 15 and 17.
Central Crossing again had difficulties keeping the ball on the court, resulting in a 23-17 MHS lead.
The Comets, though, did not go down without a fight, climbing to within 24-21 after a misguided Monarch block.
Berkland, though, fired a shot over the net that Crossing could not handle to end the match.
“We’re starting to play smarter and with more finesse,” said Bentz. “We needed this match going into a difficult schedule next week.”
The Lady Monarchs will return to action on Tuesday when they host Dublin Coffman. They will then travel to Upper Arlington on Thursday.
Sara Berkland led the Monarchs with six kills, followed by Baker with five against the Comets.