Won-loss records and your success against a team in the regular season doesn't mean anything when it comes to tournament time. The number one seed Adena Warriors Volleyball team learned that lesson the hard way Thursday night, falling to (9-15) Westfall 15-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-19 in the Division 3 District Semis at Waverly High School.
Despite winning the opening set, it wasn't as much of what the Warriors were doing right as much as it was what the Mustangs were doing wrong. Adena had only 6 kills out of their 25 points in the first set as Westfall committed many hitting, defensive and service errors to hand the Warriors many of their points.
But, Westfall corrected that in the final three sets of the match.
Speaking to WKKJ in her post-match interview, Westfall Coach Jessica Ernst said "this was the best match we've played all season and it was the first time this senior class has ever beaten them" (Adena).
The Mustangs offensive attack at the net and service line was relentless in the last three sets, while Adena many times seem to struggle on defense just to keep rallies alive. The Warriors dug deep holes in sets 2 and 3, falling behind as many as 6-8 points, only to fight back to tie each set.
It was 19-19 in Set 2, before Westfall took control at 24-20. Adena kept scrapping to pull to within 24-23 before Westfall won 25-23.
It was more of the same story in Set 3 as Westfall built a 19-11 lead, only to see Adena fly back to tie at 23-23, before Westfall scored the last two points.
That appeared to be the "back-breaker" for the Warriors as Westfall was never in jeopardy in Set 4, winning 25-19.
6'0 freshman Kristen Phillips led the Mustangs charge with 17 kills, followed by Caitlyn Young's 14 kills, 19 digs and 2 aces, to go along with Samantha Tackett's 13 kills and 18 digs. Madison Staten-Knief seemd to be flying all over the court, propelling the defense with 30 digs. Darby Beavers added 6 kills and 17 digs. Josie Williams dug the ball 24 times.
Adena was led by Abby Stark's 11 kills, freshman Olivia Riley swatted 9 kills and Kelsie Bossert with 7 kills, 22 digs and 3 aces. Freshman Ari Darif had 32 digs, Reese Kerns 29 digs and 2 aces. Hannah Stark dug the ball 14 times and Lanie Shea added 5 kills and 13 digs.
Westfall moves to the D-3 District Finals on Saturday against Alexander, who beat Minford 25-21, 25-20, 25-16. Their match will be the final of three being played at Waverly High School that day.
Adena closes the season at (15-9) and misses the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2012.
Listen to the podcast of the match, on our link found below...