The Adena Warriors volleyball team saw an end come to the worst won-loss season in program history Tuesday night, but brighter days are on the horizon. The Warriors were out-matched by Alexander in the Division 3 District Semifinals at Waverly High School, falling 25-20, 25-13, 23-25, 25-15.
In spite of the season-ending loss that sent Adena to an uncharacteristic (9-15) finish, the Warriors return everyone but senior Reece Kerns on a squad that had one junior, nine freshmen and two sophomores.
Adena's upset win over Minford in the sectional final, carried-over early into their district match with Alexander, trading blows throughout the first Set. The Warriors led 20-19, before getting outscored 6-0 to close that set.
After losing 25-13 in Set 2, the Warriors led most of Set 3 and held-off a late charge for a 25-23 win to stay alive. But, Set 4 saw the Spartans pull away after a brief Adena 6-5 lead as Alex went on to win the match with a 25-15 decision.
Alexander was powered by sophomore outside hitter Karsyn Raines' 29 kills and 17 digs. Jenna Houpt was next with 7 kills and Erin Scurlock 5. Libero Mallor Rankin led the defense with 31 digs, with Brooke Casto adding 18 and Jadyn Made with 13. Alexander also was helped with 9 serving aces.
Adena's freshmen front-row standouts Ellie Harper and Jenna Martin led the Warriors attack with 16 and 13 kills respectively. Martin also had 2 solo blocks. Junior Cameron Bowdle added 8 kills with Olivia Riley and Makenna Lovely each with 5 kills. Camryn Carroll had 21 digs and had a good serve reception match, while Olivia Riley added 18 digs, Reece Kerns with 15 and Hope Garrison with 8. The Warriors had 3 serving aces.
Alexander improves to (22-3) and will meet (25-0) Wheelersburg for the D-3 Upper Bracket Championship on Saturday afternoon.
The match can be replayed on our podcast link found below....