NEW WASHINGTON
Wynford wasn’t ready for the season to be over during its five game win over Margaretta, 17-25, 24-26, 25-19, 25-22, 15-13, to advance to Saturday’s Division III district finals.
“Character. I’ve been a head volleyball coach for 17 years and coached for 21. I’ve never seen a team respond with that sort of character before,” Royals coach Tim Baumberger said.
In Game 5 Wynford (20-4) jumped out to a big 9-2 lead, thanks in part to some solid serving by Paige Brady, who finished the evening with 26 kills. The Polar Bears (16-9) didn’t back down, battling the Royals all the way back to 14-13. Brady came up with a big kill to give Wynford its 15-13 victory.
“We handled them easily the first two games and part of the third game,” Margaretta coach Sarrah Palmer said. “When we stopped attacking and allowed the other team to attack us that’s when we start to drop back a step or two. We were in a position to not even go four games let only lose it in five.”
Brenna Quinn had a big night, finishing with 11 kills and four blocks. Meghan Harrer had eight kills, Mandy Lilly finished with 34 digs and Alyssa Harrer recorded four kills and two blocks.
“I’m really proud of my kids,” Baumberger said. “They definitely refused to lose in that match and we came back.”
The Royals return to Buckeye Central Saturday at 6 p.m. for a district final game against the winner of the Upper Sandusky-Huron match. Last year Wynford fell short of district title. The Royals last won a volleyball district in 1975.
