COLUMBIANA — In what was arguably the biggest test of the 2024 girls volleyball season, Crestview passed with flying colors, dominating Garrettsville-Garfield (25-15, 25-6, 25-12) to remain unbeaten and simultaneously hand the G-Men their first loss of the season.
Both teams came into Tuesday’s game with 8-0 overall records and equally perfect Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference Greater Tier records, but both coaches agreed that Garfield had the clear advantage. “Energy” heading into conference matchups.
“In the first set, we were in command and the energy shift was in our favor early on.” Garfield head coach Ali Roach said.
That energy was reflected in the scoring early on, as the G-Men held their own against the bigger, stronger Rebels for much of the first set, but like its opponents in the First Eight, Crestview proved to be a formidable opponent for Garfield.
“They had so much energy throughout the first half, and I think we were like, ‘Wow, we’ve got to start playing fast.’ Crestview hitter Abby Emch said.
The teams were tied at 15-15 at the 30-point mark, and just like Emch said, the Rebels started the match: Crestview scored 10 straight points to win the opening set, but it was the G-Men’s first set loss of the season.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Rebels never allowed the G-Men to get close to another set win, as Crestview completely dominated Garfield in the second and third sets, winning 25-6 and 25-12, respectively, for their ninth win of the season.
“I think we’re a big target.” Crestview coach Alisha Auer said. “We’ve been very successful. … So I think once that excitement dies down a little bit, we’re able to get in the flow. And I think that’s exactly what happened tonight. I thought Garfield played a really good game. They played really well, but once we settled in and settled in, we were able to take control.”
As expected, Emch posed quite a threat to Garfield, who was unable to contain the tall, athletic hitter. Emch led the Rebels with 19 total kills and 15 digs. Charlie Hill led Garfield with four kills on Tuesday.
“I thought the Garfield girls handled her hit well and got a touchdown.” “He was a great player,” Auer said of Emch’s play on Tuesday. “Once (she) gets in the flow, we’ve been able to get her to swing more up the middle and to the right, and she’s been very efficient there.”
Despite the loss, Garfield didn’t seem defeated, and the G-Men were laughing, smiling and dancing throughout the game despite facing significant odds on Tuesday.
“I think they really like each other.” Roach said. “They’ve known each other since elementary school, maybe even played at the local YMCA. They support each other on and off the court, and that makes a big difference.”
Garfield (8-1, 6-1 SEC) will look to bounce back from Tuesday’s loss at home against Mogadore on Wednesday.
Crestview (9-0, 6-0) has a chance to improve to 10-0, with Auer saying, “We’re going to be in the finals. “solid” in another MVAC gray match on Thursday.
Auer said she and her team are eager to continue competing and winning against competitive opponents.
“We have some strong teams in our conference and some weak teams.” Auer said. “I think our kids are really excited to play a strong match.”
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