The Minerva High School volleyball team is moving on in the postseason after defeating Philo in four sets to capture a sectional championship.
The Lions earned a 3-1 victory, winning 25-10, 15-25, 25-18 and 26-24 to improve their season record to 14-9.
Minerva came out strong in the opening set, dominating Philo 25-10 before the Electrics responded with a 25-15 victory in the second set to even the match.
The Lions regrouped and regained control in the third set, winning 25-18, before holding off a late challenge from Philo in a tightly contested fourth set, 26-24, to secure the championship.
Ayla Shellenbarger led Minerva’s offensive attack with 18 kills, while adding 14 service points, seven aces, nine receptions and six digs.
Gracie Momirov-Dierick contributed eight kills, one block and four digs, while Adrianna Kashdan finished with seven kills and one block.
Hudson Shellenbarger added 12 service points, five aces, eight receptions and eight digs. Jenna Dowell anchored the Lions’ defensive effort with 30 receptions and 17 digs, along with three service points.
Addy Kocher directed Minerva’s offense with 37 assists while contributing 11 digs, 10 service points and one ace.
Minerva’s coach credited the team’s ability to respond after a difficult second set and praised the players for maintaining their composure down the stretch.
“The energy started off really well in the first set. Philo picked up their game going into the second set and we went into panic mode instead of continuing to be aggressive,” coach Tiffany Oaks said. “We put the second set behind us, made some adjustments, and focused on one point at a time to come away with the win.”
The coach also praised the team’s determination throughout the match.
“I am very proud of the hustle and heart these girls played with tonight.”
With the sectional championship secured, Minerva now advances to the district semifinals, where the Lions will face Indian Valley on Monday at Indian Valley High School.
Minerva enters the next round with a 14-9 record and an opportunity to continue its postseason run.
