Jonathan Alder’s Ava Francis (8) blasts the ball over the net in this file photo. Francis, who was recently named the Central Buckeye Conference’s player of the year, helped lead JA to a tournament triumph on Monday over Columbus Marion Franklin. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
Alyssa Codner (5) of MHS sends the ball over the net during Monday’s Division I tournament match against Hilliard Davidson. The Lady Monarchs fell in four sets to end their season. (Journal-Tribune photo by Sam Dillon)
The Lady Pioneers of Jonathan Alder upped their record to 22-1 on Monday with a Division II tournament volleyball victory.
Alder, the No. 2 seed, had very little trouble in turning back No. 21 Columbus Marion Franklin by scores of 25-2, 25-3, 25-2.
No stats for the match were available.
Season numbers to date are as follows:
-Ava Francis (the Central Buckeye Conference’s player of the year): 316 kills, 33 aces, 228 digs, led CBC in hitting percentage at .467 and served .924);
-Emma Shepherd: 212 kills, 68 aces, 230 digs;
-Kennady Izzard: 235 digs;
-Lauren Howell: 367 assists.
Francis and Shepherd were recently named to the CBC first team.
Izzard and Howell were named second team,
McKenzie Wright was named to the special mention list, while Kyli Ricker earned the sportsmanship award.
The Lady Pioneers will host No. 17 Columbus Cristo Rey on Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Lady Monarchs fall
Marysville’s girls (the No. 27 seed) dropped their opening Division I tournament match against No. 30 Hilliard Davidson.
Playing on its home court, MHS fell in four sets by scores of 22-25, 25-22, 18-25, 20-25.
“It was a hard-fought battle,” said Marysville coach Bethany Bentz. “Although our season did not end how we had hoped it would, we are very proud of the accomplishments and growth made by the Lady Monarchs.
“We will continue to grow throughout the off-season and begin preparing for the 2020 campaign.”
The Lady Monarchs’ offense was led by Alyssa Codner, who had 17 kills on the evening.
Madison Fluharty added nine and Larissa Smith notched five.
Morgan Shick led the Marysville defense with 21 digs.