COPLEY: One thing the Wadsworth volleyball team is not lacking is height at the net.
The varsity roster features 6-foot senior standout Rachel Jones. She is accompanied in the front row at any given time by 5-11 sophomore Ciera Koons, 5-10 junior Sabrina Parsons and 5-9 sophomores Peyton Booth and Madison Gilger.
Wadsworth coach Jill Quayle utilized that height Thursday night in a 3-1 victory over host Copley in a Suburban League match.
Jones led the Grizzlies (13-3, 10-0) with 24 kills, four blocks and two service aces. The 24 kills is a career high for Jones.
“Rachel really took control at the net, which was big,” Quayle said.
Wadsworth won the first set 25-11, but Copley took the second 25-11 to draw even. The Grizzlies eked out a 25-22 win in the third and then triumphed 25-9 in the fourth.
“The fourth set we decided to take control of the game,” Quayle said. “I think we showed a lot of leadership and a lot of heart in the fourth game. We started off strong in that fourth set, which made a difference. We started off a little weak in the first three sets.
“Rachel Jones came through big time. Haley Beavers made some great defensive plays and that was huge. Rachel Goddard made some outstanding digs in the back row when we needed them, which were huge, too.”
Beavers, a 5-5 junior setter, had 34 assists.
“I think we kind of underestimated them at first, but we came back and won and proved ourselves in that last game,” Beavers said. “I am really proud how our team pulled it together tonight. We have a great bunch of girls and I love them all.”
Goddard, a 5-5 junior libero, had 19 digs and two service aces.
“I think even after the second game we were ready,” Jones said. “We knew we wanted to win in four. We didn’t want to go five. We don’t like to go five. We had the mindset and momentum to win. We were a little nervous [after the second set], but I think when it came down to it we played as a team.”
Wadsworth seniors Alyssa Horton and Ali McCauley also contributed in key ways along with junior Haley Hassinger.
“I think it was a little bit of a wake-up call for the girls that we have to come out stronger,” Quayle said. “We can’t start off slow and get in those types of ruts where we have to fight back.”
Senior Nikki Meyer led the Indians (7-10, 4-6) with 14 kills.
Juniors Mekenzie Prentiss (24 digs), Alex Stanton (two blocks) and Summer Emich (25 assists) were other statistical leaders for Copley.
“We started off slow, and then we got into it and got into a groove and figured out their hitters and their defense,” Copley coach Lisa Sharnsky said. “I think it was a great effort by my girls and I think they worked their butts off. I know they’re a little disappointed, but sometimes some teams just outplay you.”
Sharnsky said she was also pleased with the play of seniors Micki Gallien and Marissa Horning along with sophomore Lexi Cohen.
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